"  We  swear  to  wage, 

Thro'  smoke  and  fire,  victorious  war  until 
We're  from  our  shameful  bondage  loosed,  and  peace 
And  freedom  are,  throughout  the  land,  declared 
Once  more." — PAGE  88. 


THE 


MEXICAN; 


OB, 


LOVE  AKD  LAND. 


FOUNDED    ON    THE    INVASION    OF    MAXIMILIAN, 


BY    JOHN    M.    DAGNALL, 

AUTHOR  OF   "  DAISY^SWAIN." 


w  An  honest  tale  speeds  best  being  plainly  told."— SHAKESPHAUE. 


NEW  YOEK : 

AMERICAN    NEWS    COMPANY, 

121    NASSAU    STREET. 
1868. 


T>I3 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 
JOHN  M.  DAGNALL, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  New  York. 


Stereotyped  by  SMITH  &  McDouGAL,  82  &  84  Beekman  St.,  New  York. 


CHAPTER    I. 

day,  amid  the  fervid  gleam  of  noon, 
In  coolness  basking  on  a  breezy  shore, 
A  Mexican,  in  pensive  mood,  was  seen. 


6  THE   MEXICAN; 

Idly  loitering  where  the  sea-foam  fringed 

A  sandy  girdle  of  Sonora's  strand. 

• 

There,  at  times  responsive  to  the  ocean  dirge, 
His  bosom  heaved  a  sigh,  and  wildly  strange 
His  numbers  with  the  waves  alone  he  held 
In  soft  communion  sweet.    "  How  gleeful,  wild, 
How  solemn,  yet  how  glad,  they  murmur  out, 
Upon  these  glitt'ring  sands  they  love  so  well, 
A  welcome  fond  to  me,  as  if  I  were 
To  be  thro'  life  endearM  to  them ! 

"Ah,  here," 

He  sigh'd,  "  upon  this  sea-beat  shore,  amid 
The  orient  hues  of  morn,  and,  late  at  eve, 
Beneath  the  starry  gleam  of  moonless  skies, 
I  often,  when  a  beardless  boy,  have  whiled 
My  youthful  hours  away,  enraptured  with 
Thy  surge>  wild  wave,  as  thou  upon  these  sands 
From  out  the  swelling  tide  wouldst  fretful  rush 
My  careless  feet  to  lave.    But  ne'er  have  I 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  7 

So  much  in  all  my  sea-side  rambles  felt 
Thy  fond  complaint,  dear  wave,  my  bosom  move 
With  a  desire  to  brave  the  stormy  main 
That  gave  thee  birth." 

Then  out  he  look'd  with  eye 
Of  rapture,  far  across  the  sounding  sea, 
Verging  on  the  sky, — heaven's  source  divine, 
The  blissful  zone  of  those  from  sin  redeemed, — 
\Vhere  he  a  prospect  saw  there  for  his  soul, 
]f  on  this  grand  and  mighty  globe  he'd  seek 
The  righteous  means  for  its  salvation : 
Religion,  purest  treasure  of  the  soul : 
Benevolence,  prompt  of  means  and  love  unto 
The  needful  of  his  kind  mid  squalid  scenes 
Of  suffering,  want,  and  woe. 

Oh,  wherefore,  then, 
Ye  sordid  sons,  to  earthly  forms  attend, 
Neglectful  of  the  end  and  aims  of  Him 
Who  died  upon  the  holy  Mount,  the  souls 
Of  fallen  man  to  save  ? 


8  THE   MEXICAN; 

Our  hero  was 

A  righteous  man,  a  man  of  holy  views ; 
Sinless  of  conscience,  sincere  in  creed ; 
And  dared  defiantly,  before  bold  men 
With  war's  dread  schemes  familiar,  stand 
And  bring  to  view  the  wrongs  his  bleeding  land 
Endured ;  what  burdens  then  opprest ;  what  ills 
In  evil  hour  his  race  afflict ;  how  then 
Their  hands  and  hearts  in  Freedom's  cause  were 

join'd, 

Nor  fearing  death  for  her  sweet  sake,— for  he  who 
Falls  for  Liberty  fills  a  martyr's  grave : 
His  soul  heroic  mounts  to  the  blest  goal 
Of  light  and  peace. 

So  there  upon  the  beach 
He  stood  and  gazed  the  liquid  scene  around, 
Feeling  his  country  would  the  battle  storm 
Outride,  as  doth  the  well-mann'd  bark  upon 
The  plunging  wave  the  gale  that  drives  her  on  : 
Hoping  too,  the  wind  would  at  no  distant  day 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  9 

Him  proudly  waft  across  the  wrinkling  main, 
Boiling  there,  in  briny  folds  before  his  view, 
The  .future  scene  of  his  ambitious  course, 
Where  noble  deeds,  some  day,  he  would  achieve ; 
For  in  the  pious  fervor  of  his  heart 
He  felt  his  soul  was  great,  and  that  he  could 
Not  but  do  well  when  for  the  right  contending. 

"Yes,  yes,"  he  cried,  "'tis  true,  alas!  0  fate  ! 
Too  true ;  a  tyrant  mocks  thy  storms,  fond  main ! 
For  on  thy  misty  bosom,  bounding  near 
These  shores,  and  darkening  yonder  sun's  bright 

track, 

There  speeds  a  bold  usurper's  ship  of  war, 
By  steam  'gainst  wind  and  tide  of  earth  propell'd. 

"  0  my  poor  country !  once  so  fair  and  free ! 
In  former  times  thy  days  so  full  of  joy! 
All  then  was  bright  as  gleams  diffusive  flung 
From  golden  suns  on  streamlet,  hill,  and  plain ; 


10  THE     MEXICAN"; 

But  now,  alas  !  ere  Freedom  fair  hath  mark'd 
An  era  in  thy  reign,  thy  summer  days 
Are  clouded  in  the  palling  smoke  of  war. 
In  times  long  past  she  blest  these  realms  so  fair — 
Realms  bravely  won  by  our  dead  sires,  who  then, 
As  like  huge  rocks,  in  all  their  might  and  strength 
Withstood  the  stern  encounter  of  their  foes, 
And  fell'd  them  down,  at  last,  upon  the  field 
Of  strife,  all  shot  and  mangled  unto  death. 
Then  Freedom  from  her  thralldom  vile  came  forth, 
And  blest  the  land  that  gave  her  birth.     But  now, 
Alas !  dear  friend  of  the  opprest,  thou'rt  down 
In  gloom  again,  with  tyrant  chains  enslaved, 
Thy  laws  o'erthrown  by  an  invading  foe. 

"  But  soft ;  while  in  this  mood,  I'll  ask  myself 
What  freedom  is.    Is  freedom  but  a  name  ? 
Is  that  name,  like  virtue  to  bold  men,  a  myth, 
Or  thing  too  frail  to  last,  when  lust  and  power- 
Twin  tyrants  bold — the  human  raee  enslave  ? 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  11 

Hath  Republics  but  a  life's  uncertain  date  ? 

Shall  tyrant  sway  yet  be  the  form  to  rule 

The  earth's  vast  multitudes  of  men?     It  hath 

been  so 

For  ages  past ;  and  monarchs  in  their  pride 
Yet  boast  that  they,  until  the  sun's  last  gleam 
Upon  this  earth  doth  shine,  shall  rule  the  world : 
E'en  make,  thro'  war,  an  empire  of  this  land, 
So  they  in  royal  lands  may  concentrate 
All  Mexico's  vast  wealth,  and  circumscribe 
Man's  freedom  here  as  they  do  now  in  their 
Despotic  climes  remote.    Will  they,  forsooth ! 
They  count  without  the  cost ;  we'll  see  to  that, 
And  teach  the  tool  of  France  that  Mexicans 
Can  not  be  brought  low  grov'ling  to  the  earth, 
Like  loathsome  snakes  abhorr'd,  to  be  trod 
On  by  dull,  unfeeling  kings.    Know  ye  not 
A  patriot's  right  and  power  it  is  to  teach 
Vain  tyrants  how  to  rule  the  race  of  men 
They  would  enslave  with  laws  unjust  ?  for  bear 


12  THE    MEXICAN; 

It  well  in  mind,  0  thou  presumptuous  thing ! 
In  tranquil  times  thy  tongue  with  arrogance 
May  boast  of  kingly  power ;  but  when  the  people 
Eise  with  sword  in  hand,  to  speak  of  wrongs 
Endured,  how  soon  the  royal  coward  skulks 
Away  dismay'd  in  other  climes  to  dwell !" 

"  0  then,  thou  prideful  man  of  worldly  pomp, 
Now  learn  from  me  how  far  above  thee  is 
The  patriot  noble,  great.    'Tis  nature's  sons 
"Wear  noble  titles, — honor,  truth,  and  worth, — 
For  love  of  country  opens  up  their  hearts 
To  every  caste,  condition,  sect,  and  creed 
Of  men,  that  makes  them  great ;  and  I  who  feel, 
As  here  upon  my  native  shore  I  stand, 
Fair  nature's  nobleness  within  my  soul, 
I  raise  my  voice  and  say, '  Thank  God,  Rafael, 
That  thou  art  Mexico's  true  citizen, 
Commissioned  by  the  great  Godhead  to  hurl 
Swift  vengeance  on  thy  country's  foes,  if't  be 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  13 

The  will  of  fate  that  I  shall  undertake 
The  task  to  marshal  forth  my  countrymen, 
On  land  or  sea,  to  meet  the  daring  foe/" 

Then    o'er    the    scene    there    came    a    change. 

Darkening 

On  his  view,  in  awful  grandeur  looming 
Southward,  great    black    clouds    in    dense  folds 

billow'd 

All  the  vast  horizon.    A  gloom  the  sea's 
Bright  features   spread.      From  mount  and  rill 

the  sun 

Its  radiant  gleams  withdrew,  then  sunk  down  pale 
Behind  the  dusky  mass  fast  thund'ring  on, 
In  elemental  strife. 

"Hark!"  the  patriot  cried, 

"  Heaven  hath  ceased  to  slumber.    In  yonder  cloud 
God's  vengeful  spirit  flies  with  tenfold  force 
Toward  these  shores.    Again  His  mighty  wrath 
I  hear  in  that  dread  crash.    It  warns  me  hence, 


14  THE   MEXICAN; 

And  tells  me  that  my  time  I  idly  waste 
Upon  this  strand.    Therefore,  obedient  to 
The  Will  Divine,  I'll  here  no  longer  stay." 

Then  Eafael  took  his  eyes  from  off  the  brine, 

And  march'd  along,  the  sandy  shore,  until 

A  cliff  he  reach'd.    With  supple  limbs  he  climb'd 

The  steep  ascent,  then  turn'd  his  eyes  above 

And  saw  the  thunder-cloud  about  to  burst 

With    rain.      So    nimbly    thrice   three  furlongs' 

lengths 

He  wander'd  where  a  time-worn  castle  stood : 
In  olden  times,  tradition  states,  the  seat 
Of  Aztec  kings ;  and  then  beneath  an  arch 
Of  its  old  battlements,  where  bristled  once 
In  all  their  warlike  trim,  huge  antique  darts 
Of   war,  rude    lance    and    spear,    Rafael    there 

sought 

Shelter  from  the  storm :  fit  spot  to  meditate 
Alone. 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  15 

There  safely  from  the  drenching  rain 
Inroof  M  the  patriot  sat,  revolving  still 
Within  his  mind  the  fate  of  Mexico  : 
Of  tyrant  force  and  lawless  power  complain'd  ; 
What  errors  of  almighty  fate  had  brought 
His  country  then  so  low  down  in  the  scale 
Of  nations ;  how  her  rights  and  laws  were  lost, 
Her  freedom  gone ;  and  how  her  patriots  then 
Were  thrust  in  dungeons  of  eternal  shame  : 
There  yoked  in  chains  on  foreign  anvils  forged 
In  firm,  united  links  by  ruthless  hands 
Of  bold  invaders  who  then  roam'd  her  plains, 
To  pillage,  burn,  and  devastate  the  land. 

Now  mark  what  daring  inspiration  wakes 
The  man !     See  how  his  eyes  are  by  the  beam 
Of  courage  fired !    Both  revenge  and  glory 
Agitate  his  breast.    True-hearted  man,  be  thine 
The  power;  thou  hast  the  will  and  spirit  bold 
To  win  the  wreath  that  crowns  the  victor's  brow, 


16  THE    MEXICAN; 

Fair  recompense  that  merit  earns  among 
The  bravest  and  the  best.    For  then  he  felt 
He  war  could  wage,  or  still  in  tempests  live, 
Danger  scorn  upon  the  waste  of  waters, 
When  the  winds  of  ocean  free  shall  waft  him 
Where  adventure  leads,  to  fame  and  conquest, 
'Gainst  his  foes  upon  the  sea.    Eafael  brave 
For  such  a  task  was  nobly  fit  by  birth ; 
For  taintless  in  his  veins  the  blood  of  chiefs 
Kenown'd  did  flow. 

So  while  his  fancy  roam'd 
The  world  of  thought,  our  hero  fix'd  his  mind 
On  fair  Columbia's  land ;  she  fired  his  heart : 
An  abstract  view  he  took  of  her  contest, 
And  dwelt  in  brief  upon  the  strife,  which  late 
Impell'd  her  dauntless  sons  to  wage  with  arms 
The  holy  task  against  the  rebel  foe, 
And  thus  he  to  himself  their  deeds  rehears'd : 

"  Ah !  yes,  'twas  in  that  land  of  liberty, 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  17 

Where  Freedom  sprung  from  out  a  tyrant's  heart, 
And  wrench'd  from  his  firm  grasp  the  starry  gem 
Which  now  adorns  her  brow — once  the  jewel 
Earest  of  his  crown ;  as  yet  none  brighter  hath 
Been  found  upon  the  wide  earth  thro'.    But  late, 
In  that  far  clime,  just  as  her  radiance  shone 
O'er  all  the  world,  and  she  had  scarce  enjoyM 
Of  liberty  a  century,  Sedition 
Rear'd  her  haughty  crest  of  blood.    The  blow 
Aim'd  at  her  life,  to  stab  her  unawares, 
Fell  from  a  traitor's  hand — the  hand  of  one 
Who  in  the  fostering  lap  of  Freedom  had  been 
From  his  childhood  nurtured  till  he  up 
To  manhood  grew.      But  mark !  that  son  un- 
grateful 
His  own  mother  struck !      0  shame  of  Freedom's 

race! 

Oh,  why  did  anger  urge  thy  hand  to  do  the  deed ! 
But  soon  the  blow  evoked  the  chastisement 
Then  due ;  for  retribution  quick  soon  fell 


18  THE    MEXICAN; 

Upon  the  culprit's  head.    Thy  act  was  rash, 
And  proved  thy  own  downfall. 

Then  the  blast 

Of  Liberty  thro'  all  the  land  did  sound — 
'  Arise,  ye  loyal  men !  awhile  forego 
The  joys  that  freedom  brings  to  man.    To  arms ! 
Vile  Treason's  cannon  echoes  thro'  the  land.' 
Her  loyal  sons  the  summons  heard ;  for  soon, 
Obedient  to  her  clarion  call,  they  from 
Columbia's  cities,  mines,  and  fertile  lands, 
In  thousands  to  her  holy  rescue  flew. 

"  But  down  she  was  awhile,  and  wept.    All  seem'd 
In  darkness  lost.    Faint  on  earth  she  languish'd 
In  the  gloom.    But  yet  no  loyal  heart  despair'd, 
For  in  their  breasts  they  felt  the  spirit  burn 
Of  their  great  sire,  George  Washington,  champion 
Of  the  free ;  a  noble  man  with  lasting  name — 
A  name  that  all  who  freedom  love  revere ; 
A  hero  brave  of  heart  who  would  not  brook 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  19 

A  haughty  kingdom's  insolence  upon  their  shores, 
But  dared  with  willing  heart  and  hand  to  raise 
His  fallen  kind ;  and  therefore  fought  for,  lived  for 
Nothing  but  his  country's  good  at  heart. 
'  Let  all  Columbia's  loyal  sons  unite 
Against  the  foe  their  efforts  to  the  cause ; 
'Tis  for  the  general  good ;  for  godless  they, 
Tho'  Freedom's  children' — seemed  in  that  dark  hour 
To  whisper  softly  from  his  hallowed  shade. 

"  At  length  the  genius  of  Columbia's  chiefs. 
The  free,  the  bold,  her  loyal-hearted  sons, 
Great  armies  mass'd  and  with  unerring  wisdom 
Hurl'd  the  North's  gigantic  power  against 
Her  frantic  hordes  of  lawless  foes.    Yet  well 
The  rebels  wag'd  the  war  thro'  wildest  scenes 
Of  carnage — in  their  most  disastrous  days 
Stood  firm ;  for  they  a  haughty  rule  maintain'd ; 
Submit  they  would  not  to  a  selfish  triumph ; 
For,  being  the  same  race,  no  cowardice 


20  THE    MEXICAN; 

Had    they   in    their   hearts.      0    ye    Christians, 

ponder ! 

Her  deadliest  foes  were  her  own  race !  for  ere 
The  pride  and  passions  of  the  stubborn  foe 
Were  quell'd,  the  North's  best  blood  was  shed  in 

streams 

That  crimson'd  woodland,  hill,  and  southern  plain. 
But  ineffective  proved  the  rebels'  aims 
To  circle  out  a  nation  of  their  own. 
Before  the  Northmen  brave  the  traitors  fell : 
Poor,  blind,  reckless  fools,  they  rush'd  impetuous 
To  their  own  destruction !    In  calmer  sense 
Each  one  now  feels  the  burning  shame  that  brands 
His  brow  a  traitor.    Ah,  who  can  tell  us 
All  the  mischief  their  wild  spirits  wrought ! 

"  Columbia  fair !  thank  God,  the  foe  hath  fail'd 
To  pluck  one  star  from  off  thy  diadem. 
Now  Discord  from  thy  cherish'd  land  is  swept ; 
As  there,  from  utmost  hell  with  flaming  brand 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  21 

And  torch  to  burn  the  air  and  desolate 
Thy  fields,  no  longer  round  Eebellion  stalks 
To  disunite  with  iron  hands  thy  frame 
Of  States ;  she  in  her  bloody  ashes  smoulders : 
Naught  is  left  of  her  but  charr'd  remains ; 
And  Carnage,  too,  with  all  her  ghostly  horrors, 
Lies  there  buried  in  her  gory  shroud.    Peace 
Connects    the    sever'd    parts ;    the    sword    and 

sheath 

Are  with  the  olive-branch  of  friendship  twin'd ; 
Their  once  irreverent  hands  in  friendly  links 
Are  grasp'd  again ;  the  rash  alone  still  boast 
Sedition's  spirit  lives  yet  unsubdued, 
While  in  the  North  a  faction  base  keep  down 
Their  fallen  foe.    Blind  bigots !  know  ye  not 
That  mercy  follows  triumph  ?    The  brave  do 
Pity,  not  abuse,  when  down,  their  foes. 

"Yet, 

'Tis  not  for  us  to  say  what  they  should  do ; 
Right  glad  are  we  to  learn  that  now  no  smoke 


22  THE    MEXICAN; 

Of  war  doth  darken  more  Columbia's  skies. 
'Twas  but  a  cloud  that  dim'd  her  starry  zone, 
As  she,  dear  friend  of  the  opprest,  in  all 
Her  former  glory  shines.    Bright  as  the  sun, 
That    flings    its    ray  o'er  hill    and    stream,  her 

splendor 

Burns  more  clear ;  for  now  Columbia  all 
The  world  admires.     E'en  those  who  deem'd  her 

lost, 

Her  glory  now  applaud.     Ah !  well  thou  dost, 
Kind  friend  of  man,  that  praise  deserve.    In  song 
Thy  bards  thy  deeds  will  sing ;  thy  orators 
Pour  forth  the  valor  of  thy  patriot  sons, 
And  let,  in  records  lasting  thro'  all  time, 
Their  actions  live ;  their  names  commemorate 
On  tomb,  in  trench,  and  lonely  solitude, 
With  those  of  many  an  ardent  exile  too, 
Who  came  from  climes  remote  and  nobly  fought 
With  thy  brave  sons  for  freedom.    There,  with 
The  native  born,  in  moonlit  glade  secure, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  23 

The  Briton,  Teuton,  Celt,  together  sleep. — 

Oft  may  the  gentle  dews  of  heaven  fall 

And  kiss  the  slabs  that  mark  their  resting  place  !'• 

So  then,  with  eye  uplifted,  Rafael  scanned 
The  sky.    He  saw  the  storm  had  past,  that  all 
Was  clear.    Yet,  fearful  lest  he  might 
Encounter  a  marauding  gang  of  foes 
Around  the  solitudes  of  ocean  prowling 
(Nor  one,  nor  two,  he  fear'd  to  meet ;  for  tho' 
Still  young  in  years,  yet  few  his  strength  could 

boast ; 

And  he  who  dared  dispute  his  way,  he'd  rap 
With  well-aim'd  blows,  his  sconce,  until  his  eyes 
Would  flash  with  stars), — he  quit  the  lonely  shore, 

Just  then,  the  sun  behind  the  west'ring  wave 
Went  down,  and  twilight,  with  her  russet  veil, 
Enwrapt  the  scenes  around  where  Eafael  all 
The  noon-half  of  that  day  had  loiter'd. 


CHAPTER   II. 

OK  a  slope  with  tropic  verdure  teeming, 
Where  Nature  in  her  vernal  beauty  held 
Her  fragrant  reign,  between  the  hours  of  noon 
And  eve,  screened  from  the  sunny  beam,  beneath 


A  bowering  mango  broad,  there,  side  by  side, 
With  all  the  world  at  peace,  two  mortals  sat 
Entranced  in  moments  balmy,  merrily 
With  their  musical  mother-tongue  prattling 
Praises  lavishly,  each  on  each,  soft  from 
Their  two  hearts  beating  then  with  fondest  hopes. 

The  maiden's  dark  eyes  fring'd  with  lashes  silken, 
Softly  in  their  soul-lit  ardor  tempered 
With  love's  light,  and  pure  as  Venus  brightly 
In  a  twilight  sky  of  amber  gleaming, 
Eeflective  and  brimful  of  love's  romance, 
Dreamingly  speaking  a  language  rare, 
Tenderly  gazed  in  conscious  bliss  divine 
Upon  the  chosen  partner  of  her  heart, 
Marking  his  growth  of  form  and  mind  how  fair, 
How  bland !  with  all  the  graces  which  adorn 
Young  manhood's  prime;  combining  with  those 

charms 
Of  person  rare  a  just  and  generous  heart. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  2? 

She  loved  him  for  that  goodness  of  his  heart, 
And  prized  him  also  for  his  mind  well-form'd 
To  govern  less  enlighten'd  souls ;  his  courage 
To  explore  untrodden  ways. 

But  how  looked 

She  attractive  in  her  lover's  eyes, 
Which  made  his  manly  heart  to  softly  yield 
To  her  enchantment  ?    He  many  rivals  had ; 
Great  ones  knew  her  worth,  and  sought  her  hand. 
Many  wish'd  her  for  their  bride  to  heighten  with 
Her  dazzling  charms  their  pomp  of  life.     But  he 
Alone  was  her  heart's  choice.    He  first  among 
Her  suitors  rank'd.    They  loved  her  for  her  wealtt 
And  skill  in  graceful  arts ;  but  Eafael  prized 
Morena's  heart  and  beauty  more. 

She  too 

Amid  gay  rivals  shone  supreme,  yet  held 
Her  Eafael  captive  by  the  matchless  grace 
Of  mind  and  heart  indulgent  nature  had 
From  birth  on  her  bestow'd.    She,  superior  far 


28  THE   MEXICAN; 

Among  kind  fortune's  brilliant  stars,  outshone 
The  rest.    To  Rafael,  she  the  fairest 
Of  her  sex, — a  precious  gem, — his  queen  of  grace, 
By  love  and  fortune  crown'd.    None  fairer  'ncath 
The  stars  of  heaven  shone.    Not  since  the  birth 
Of  Time  had  kind  creation  graced  this  sphere 
With  one  more  lovely  in  his  sight.    In  brief, 
To  him  Morena  was  divine. 

'Twas  thus 

Beneath  that  green  alcove,  these  compliments 
The  lovers'  time  employ'd. 

Then  softly  'neath 

The  blissful  weight  of  love,  on  Rafael's  heart 
Morena's  head  reclined,  painting  her  thoughts 
In  tinted  rainbow  fancies  fair  and  bright 
As  the  radiant  arch  itself  that  girds 
The  rainy  depths  of  space  with  splendor  round. 
How  lovingly  there  also,  in  melting  tones, 
She'd  lisp  his  own  sweet  name  thro'  ruby  lips, 
Where  oft  he  sip'd  the  sweets  that  generous  ilow'd 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  29 

From  that  soft  source  !     Ah,  knew  he  the  purport 
Of  her  mystic  sighs — tender  undertones 
Of  phrases  broken,  lingering  on  her  lips ; 
Those  heavenly  draughts  of  inspiration 
Which  her  soul  enthrall'd ;  her  inward  spirit  steep'd 
In  blissful  ardor,  breathing  earthly  love : 
And  fondly  then  a  thousand  hopes  imparting 
To  his  heart  that  yearn'd  and  bounded  lightly 
In  his  breast  at  the  sweet  words  she  whisper'd 
With  soft  voice  ? 

Eesponsively,  he  too  would  breathe 
Her  tones  she  mostly  loved  to  hear ;  for  then 
Love  reign'd  in  both  their  hearts, — 
The  tyrant  monarch  of  the  breast  commanding 
All  their  thoughts,  their  wishes,  voices,  hopes: 
Joys  each  fond  heart  sharing — no  two  lips  could 
Murmur  more.      From  their  souls  love  blissful 

guslrd 

In  words  of  mutual  softness  in  each  ear, 
Ere  their  words  upon  the  south  wind  fledeth 


30  THE    MEXICAK; 

Among  the  leaflets  born  of  fragrant  bowers  j 
Then  rustling  on  the  air  their  vernal  chimes. 
Thus  love  became  their  soul-absorbing  theme : 
Was  given,  taken,  hourly  sworn  to,  vouch'd 
For  by  the  sighs  then  dropping  from  each  lip 
Spontaneously  for  registry  in  heaven, 
For  they  entranced,  on  earth  no  record  kept ; 
But  swore  they'd  sacred  keep  their  vows  till  o'er 
Them  life  had  lost  its  power. 

Alternate  then, 
They'd  look  at  each  and  smile,  then  clasp   each 

hand 

With  friendly  fervor ;  for  each  one  felt  that  each 
Was  loved.    Each  ardent  glance  a  test-oath  was 
Of  fondness  mutual,  rousing  up  their  souls 
In  raptures  sweet  yet  strange,  supreme,  divine ! 
For  they  in  that  gay  season  were  when  life 
Most  healthful  in  the  blood  doth  burn.    'Twas  love 
Danced  in  their  swelling  veins.     But  their  hearts 

were  free 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  31 

From  sin,  and  fraught  with  naught  but  feelings 

sweet ; 

Keeping  the  passion  pure :   Heaven's  impulse, 
Sweetest  when  fair  Prudence  guides  the  innocent 
In  ways  of  happiness  and  peace  thro' 
Future    years ;    these    are    the   joys  that  virtue 

knows, — 

Joys  with  heartfelt  love  combined, — sweet  passion 
Of  power  benign, — great  source  of  every  good : 
It  opens  up  the  soul  of  him  who  dares 
Essay  to  touch  the  hand  of  modest  worth. 
Soon  blank  would  be  life's  gayest  scenes  without 
Fond  love  divine.    It  doth  the  heart  distend 
With  social  warmth ;  gives  fire  to  blighted  beauty, 
Cheer  to  care,  and  solace  to  the  sad. 
The  beam  of  love  the  human  face  illumes ; 
"With  its  warmth  it  heightens  every  feature. 
No  fairer  jewel  can  be  found  within 
The  soul  of  woman  true.    What  man's  heart  is 

proof 


32  THE    MEXICAN; 

Against  her  ravishment  when  love's  combined 
With    mortal    charms !      She    makes    his    heart 

pulsate 
With  joys  he  dreams,  on  earth,  will  never  end. 

Thus  pure  and  sweet  their  panting  bosoms  glow'd 
With  youthful  love  sincere.    They  hoped  no  pang, 
Thro'  all  advancing  years,  their  bliss  would  mar. 

ISTow  mark  what  then  ensued.    A  change  came  o'er 
The  scene ;  the  twain  in  loving  stress  enthrall'd, 
Sat  speechless  in  the  silence  of  the  hour, 
With  purest  thoughts  of  loving  souls,  shaping 
In  fancy's  regions  fair  on  earth  a  heaven 
Of  their  own. 

There,  cumber'd  by  the  weight 
Of  languor  dreamy,  Kafael  then  would  breathe 
Mysterious    thoughts.     He'd    talk    by  fits,  then 

pause 
Awhile  in  his  ejaculations  vague, 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  33 

Like  one  who  wrangles  with  the  tyrant  love, 
Tormenting  his  fond  heart.    But  yet  he  had 
No  wish  to  hide  his  thoughts  from  his  dear  love. 
Her  heart  he  would  not  wrong  by  word  nor  deed ; 
But  then  with  her  discernment  quick,  she  mark'd 
How  soon  his  sighs  were  then  repress'd,  and,  half 
In  wonder,  half  in  mirth,  Morena  gazed 
Upon  his  handsome  face,  defining  with 
A  mild  yet  yearning  eye,  as  best  she  could, 
The  hidden  cause  that  bow'd  his  head  in  thought. 

"Dear    me,"  she  said,  "how  strange  he  looks! 

He's  like 

A  man  just  half  asleep  :  yet  he's  awake, 
And  dreams;  loves,  yet    sighs  not.      His  voice 

hath  lost 

The  tones  he  me  just  now  asserted  with 
Avowals    strong    how    much    he    loved.      How 

strange 
A  thing  he  is !  how  dull !  capricious,  too ! 


34  THE    MEXICAN; 

One  time  his  heart  all  full  of  love,  and  then, 
A  moment  after,  all  of  troth  devoid." 

So  then  with  voice  so  musical,  so  soft, 
She  ask'd  him  questions  fond,  to  learn  the  secret 
That  he  harbor'd  in  his  breast.    "  Speak ;  what  ails 
Thee  ?      Tell  me,  dear,  what  makes   thee  look 

so  sad?" 

But  Eafael  speaketh  not.    "  'Pshaw,"  she  said ; 
"  Earth  holds  none  half  so  dull !   Oh !  would  I  knew 
Thy  mind's  delirium.    Ah  me !  'tis  sad 
To  think  how  he  could  thus  be  chang'd  so  soon ! 
Here  he  sits,  but  heareth  not,  or  will  not 
List  the  words  that  question  him !    Ah !  now  thine 

eye, 
With  coldness  so  indifferent  seeming 

Not  long  ago  did  sparkle  with  love's  fire. 
Alas !  it  shows  thy  heart's  inconstancy." 
Yet  Eafael  sat  unmov'd,  as  if  he  would 
Thro'  fretfulness,  her  loving  temper  try. 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  35 

And  from  her  gentle  breath  these  tender  words 
His  silence  drew : 

"  Dear  Rafael,  take  thine  eye 
From  off  the  verdant  ground,  and  gaze  on  me 
Instead.    Unveil  the  hidden  cause.    Oh,  trust 
Me  with    thy  thoughts !      To   thee   Fm   bound 

beyond 
A  doubt :  that  love  from  thee  shall  ne'er  depart." 

"  Nor    mine    from    thee,"    was    Rafael's    quick 

response. 

"  Thy  mind,  Morena  dear,  hath  pictured  scenes 
Unreal ;  for,  unabated  in  my  heart, 
Still  love's  pure  passion   burns.      What!  I  now 

wound 

The  gentle  heart  my  soul  adores !  No,  no ! 
If  e'er  that  time  should  come,  I  hope  mine  eyes 
No  more  in  life  shall  see  the  ocean  gleam, 
Nor  sun,  nor  moon,  nor  stars  above  my  head 
Wooing  the  world  below  with  glitt'ring  pride." 


36  THE   MEXICAN; 

Then  Morena  saw  no  sorrow  Eafael's 

Dark  eye  dim'd;  still  they  sparkled  with  chaste 

fire, 

The  flame  of  love.    But  yet  she  wonder'd  why 
He  had  to  silence  yielded  up  his  breath, 
His  soul   entranced:  what  cloud  in  life's  spring 

morn 

His  mind  o'ercast,  and  made  his  heart  that  time 
To  coldness  turn.      "Is  the  cause  past  finding 

out?" 
Morena  said.    "  No,  Morena,  no ; 

If  I  the  bold  design  unfold,  wilt  thou, 
My  love,  indulgent  prove  ?" — "  I  will,"  she  said. 
"  Nor  on  me  look  with  scornful  eye  when  thou 
Hast  heard  the  tale?" — "Thou  me  canst  trust. 

Tell  it, 

Eafael  dear."    Then  she  said,  with  voice  elated ; 
"  Umbrage  would  ill  suit  the  heart  that  sighs 
For  thee  alone." 


OE,     LOVE    AND    LAND.  37 

"'Tiswell;  now  hear!"  said  Rafael. 
"  "When  the  sun  last  eve  had  set,  and  twilight, 
Clad  in  vestment  gray,  enrobed  the  earth  about, 
I  at  my  window,  wrapt  in  thoughtful  mood, 
Relapsing  down  from  wakefulness  to  sleep, 
Sat  dreamingly  watching  the  glimmering 
Of  the  vestal  star  in  splendor  twinkling 
On  my  dreamy  eyes  its  chasten'd  light,  soon,  hushM 
To  life,  my  breathing  spirit  fled  to  dreamland. 
But  in  that  mystic  sphere,  reposing  then, 
Where  soft  stillness  reign'd  supreme,  a  vision 
Mellowing  on  my  dreamy  sight,  came  thro* 
The  portals  of  high  heaven  and  illum'd 
The  sky  with  holy  light  more  dazzling  far 
Than  gleams  of  the  broad  moon.     Awhile  she 


To  gaze  on  the  tumultuous  world  beneath, 
Then  on  she  came  near  where  I  dreamt. 

Half  in  awe, 
I  held  my  breath,  and  wondered  still  to  know 


38  THE     MEXICAN"; 

What  mission  from  benignant  heaven  brought 
A  reigning  spirit  there. 

"  'Twas  then  I  saw 

She  held  in  her  left  hand  a  batter'd  shield, 
On  which  there  was  engraved  a  tyrant's  head ; 
Her  right  a  banner  held,  emblazon'd  round 
With  stars,  a  brow  of  Liberty  circling ; 
Her  azure  crest  with  blood  was  slightly  stain'd. 

"  Then  nearer  yet  to  where  I  dreaming  was 

Half  quivering  with  affright,  in  splendor  grand 

She  came ;  and  turning  down  her  lustrous  eyes, 

As  radiant  as  the  beam  reflected  from 

The  spacious  shield  her  hand  sustained,  and  meek 

Also,  and  tender  as  religion  in 

A  virgin's  eye,  she  said,  with  voice  so  sweet: 

'0  Eafael !  from  thy  dream  of  ease  awake. 

Why  in  silken  languor  sleepeth  there, 

Unheeding  Time's  swift  flight,  no  enterprise 

"Nor  work  divine  to  do  ?  Inaction 


OB,     LOVE    AND    LAND.  39 

Bringeth  sloth ;  languishment  dull  apathy, 
That  may,  ere  long,  unnerve  thee  quite :  for  fate 
Decrees  that  every  earth-born  thing  that  doth 
Remain  inactive,  soon  shall  droopeth  down 
To  death.    Therefore,  be  warn'd ;  get  up,  and  stir 
Thy  nature  from  its  weary  dream  of  ease. 
Arise,  and  in  the  cause  of  Freedom  do  some  good. 
Thou  hast  the  strength,  the  heavenly  grace  and 

soul, 

All  purely  kind  for  such  a  task.    Therefore, 
Arise,  and  with  firm  resolution  fix'd, 
Assert  the  justice  of  thy  race  against 
Their  sworn  foes  of  Freedom.    The  work  is  that 
Of  love — such  work  that  needeth  all  thy  thoughts, 
And  all  thy  heart  should  feel.    Now  thy  country  is 
In  sorest  need  of  thy  transcending  worth  : 
On  every  side  she  groans.    A  tyrant  works 
Destruction  of  thy  race ;  his  sinful  feet 
Now  tread  the  soil  and  from  her  fertile  plains 
Her  patriots  drive.    Their  children  load  the  air 


40  THE   MEXICAN; 

"With  cries,  and  bitter  meanings  from  their  widows 
Eend  the  sky. 

" '  Therefore,  Eaf ael,  arise  and  strike 
The  foe.    Let  thy  valor  match  thy  virtues ; 
God  thy  arm  will  strengthen.    For  to  be  great 
In  conflict  right,  he  must  be  good  and  brave. 
Eightly  earn'd  in  fighting  for  his  country, 
Both  fame  and  fortune  crown  the  hero's  brow : 
And  when  he  dies,  on  earth  a  noble  name 
He  leaves :  here  loving  hands  will  deck  his  grave 
"With  blest  immortelles. 

"  <  So,  Eafael,  wherefore 
Longer  there  be  softly  sway'd  by  idle 
Dreams  of  life  ?  of  faith  and  love  why  longer  sing  ? 
Come,  now,  arise !  asunder  tear  the  tyrant 
From  thy  heart.    Leave  thy  sighing  love  behind, 
Else  she'll  wanton  with  thy  fate ;  for  thou  shouldst 
Know  the  goddess  coy  allures  her  victims 
Down  to  indolence  abject :  her  votaries 
Fame  nor  fortune  seldom  gain.    Therefore, 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  41 

Love's  potent  magic  now  reject.    Let  thy  aims 
In  life  more  high  ascend ;  for  he's  unworthy 
Of  the  heart  and  hand  he  doth  not  win — 
Doing  something  great  in  warfare  holy. 
Thou  wert  born  for  this :  heaven  hath  given  thee 
Both  the  mind  and  strength  to  fight  the  foe  thro' 
Flame  and  death,  on  ocean,  lake,  or  field, 
Till  naught  remains  of  him  upon  these  shores, 
Which  doth  by  right  of  birth  to  thee  belong; 
Then  glory  shall  be  thy  reward.    All  will 
Whisper  Kafael's  name ;  pour  it  forth  in  prayer, 
And  live  in  lauded  speech  on  peoples'  tongues 
The  wide  earth  thro'.    In  brief,  in  every  zone 
Thy  deeds  shall  be  recorded  in  thy  favor 
Even  when  thy  days  of  youth  hath  flown 
Far  out  across  Time's  west'ring  sea.    Then  thou'lt 
Look  upon  the  glorious  past,  and  mark  how  well 
In  summer  days  of  life,  with  hardy  crew, 
Thou  didst  upon  the  wave  contend  against 
The  foreign  foe  who  now  with  fire  and  sword 


42  THE   MEXICAN; 

Doth  desolate  thy  land.    Therefore,  again, 
Rafael,  no  longer  be  weighed  down  to  earth 
By  soft,  unnerving  love,  but  now  awaken 
From  lascivious  dreaming  to  thy  duty. 
Arise,  go  forth ;  grace  with  my  name  all  earth/ 

"  She  spoke  no  more.    Aloft  her  beaming  eye 
Look'd  on  a  zone  of  gleaming  stars.    A  mist 
Her  heavenly  form  enwrapt,  and  veil'd  her  from 
My  gaze. 

"  Then  thoughts  so  strange  rush'd  in  my  mind 
'Tween  love  and  fame  my  inward  spirit  work'd. 
I  said, '  Shall  I  forego  my  love  and  thee, 
High  glory  to  achieve  ? '     Too  bad,  I  thought, 
'Twould  be  to  rend  the  blest  communion 
Of  our  two  hearts  now  so  firmly  tied  by  love 
And  faith. 

"  But  now  it  must  be  done.    I  must 
From  passion's  dream  my  soul  emancipate ; 
Must  fly  retirement ;  leave  these  downy  beds 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  43 

Of  flowers,  and  in  the  world  my  strength  attest 
In  d.eeds  of  arms  to  bring  renown  to  me, 
And  peace  to  my  distracted  land,  scorning 
A  minion,  hither  from  a  usurp'd  throne, 
Sent  here  to  reign  a  despot  in  the  halls 
Of  the  famed  Montezumas." 

So  when  he 

Told  the  tale,  Morena,  half  unconscious 
By  her  Eafael's  side,  sat  mute.    Ah,  what 
A  mournful  theme  of  fond,  despairing  love 
Into  her  ear  he  breathed !    A  thousand  doubts 
And  fears  past  thro'  her  mind,  as  he  the  tale 
Rehearsed,  that  he  no  longer  loved  her. 

Soon 

Her  pensive  notion  he  perceived.    How  pale 
Her  comely  cheek !    Then  said :  "What  fears  annoy 
Thy  heart,  Morena  dear ;  why  thus  so  sad  ? 
Thou,  perchance,  art  brooding  without  reason, 
O'er  some  fate  thou  think'st  will  dim  thine  eyes 
With  tears." 


44  THE    MEXICAN; 

Then  lowly  with  soft  breath  he  whispered 
Hope  to  soothe  her  anxious  fears,  and  said :  "  Why 

from 

Thy  face  hath  gloom  the  light  of  joy  withdrawn  ? 
Look  up,  my  dear ;  come,  turn  thy  gaze  on  me. 
Oh !  tell  me,  love,  what  doubtful  vision  now 
Thy  downcast  eyes  portray;  what  woe  afflicts 
Thy  heart ;  what  pangs  assail  thy  breast  within. 
If  thy  voice  hath  not  expression  lost,  oh !  speak : 
Tell  me,  love,  the  sorrow  which  now  sitteth 
On  thy  heart.    Come,  Morena  dear,  look  up ; 
Eeceive  from  me  one  cheering  smile.    I'm  thine, 
I  vow ;  will  serve  thee,  see  thee  as  thou  wish : 
For  thee,  and  thee  alone,  I  live.    Come,  dear 
To  my  soul  and  fair  to  my  sight,  speak  out; 
I'm  thine,  aye  I  truly  thine  as  ever — yes, 
And  will  be  till  life's  spell  is  broke." 

So  then, 

Obedient  to  his  voice,  Morena  raised 
Her  languid  eyes,  that  plainly  told  how  much 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  45 

She    drank    the    tender    tale    which    made    the 

name 

Of  Rafael  dear ;  her  looks  all  woe-begone, 
An  anguish'd  spirit ;  in  fine,  a  thousand 
Signs  of  grief  without,  how  much  she  suffered 
Mentally, — how  much  she  loved.     But  oh!  such 

were 

The  tearful  looks  she  then  to  Eafael  gave 
That  even  Joy  herself  would  grieve  to  see 
The  heart-drops  which  her  sadden'd  soul  forced  up 
From  well  of  purest  grief  within  upon 
Her  silken  lashes,  then  in  deepest  sorrow 
Shading,  as  they  rose  all  warm  and  limpid 
In  her  eye. 

So  Rafael,  then  by  pity 
Moved,  observed  how  much  his  love,  meantime, 

pour'd 

Forth  upon  the  breeze  alternate  sobs  and  sighs. 
Why  cry,  Morena  ?    Weep  not,  love.    Oh !  what 
Emotion  tender  forceth  from  their  source 


46  THE   MEXICAN; 

These  heart-born  tears  to  stream  so  down  thy 

cheek  ? 

Tell  me,  is  thy  heart  with  anguish  bleeding  ? 
Do  these  tears  arise  from  thence  to  signalize 
Young  Joy  in  thine  heart  is  drown'd  ?    Oh !  let  me 

know." 

Morena  then  her  grieving  stillness  broke 

With  sad  voice  low :  "  Alas !  how  changed,  when 

thou 

Hast  been  so  true !     0  Kafael,  meditate. 
Flattering,  vain,  that  vision,  and  delusive. 
Give  credence  none  to  what  you  thought  it  said. 
'Twas  but  a  mystic  phantom,  born  of  dreamland, 
Which,  when  thou  the  tedious  hours  did  court 
Soft  on  thy  couch,  flit  on  the  slumbrous  air. 
Ah,  Eafael !  rush  not  forward ;  ponder,  pry 
The  dark  futurity.    Oh,  think  what  ills 
May  come ;  how  much  do  snares  of  life  await 
The  youth,  tho'  fortified  with  holy  thoughts 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  47 

And  fond  precepts  maternal, — what  dangers 
May  befall  when  he  on  untried  paths  doth 
Venture !    Now  thy  heart  ambition  yearneth. 
Alas !  for  fame,  thou  wouldst  in  human  gore 
Thy  hands  imbrue  with  sword  destructive, 
Wielding  it  against  superior  force  of  arms 
Which  may  perchance,  ere  long,  thee  crush  amid 
The  stricken  dead ;  for  adverse  fate  doth  oft 
Befall  the  bravest  youth  of  Adam's  race. 
Few  triumph  o'er  the  chance  of  war;  then  why, 
Eafael,  thus  leave  thy  friends,  thy  native  land, 
To  traverse  seas  unknown,  and  there,  perchance, 
Be  wreck'd  or  thrown  upon  some  island  vast 
'Mid  tribes  carnivorous,  when  thou  hast  joy, 
Content,  and  pastime  here  the  tardy  time 
To  kill  with  thy  companions  ?    For  thou  wert 
Born  for  peace,  not  war  :  thine  ears  for  music 
Form'd,  not  battle's  din ;  in  brief,  Apollo's  lute, 
Not  Mars'  dread  sounds.     Oh !  therefore,  Eafael, 
Quell  a  moment  thy  heart's  yearning  fond.    'Twas 


48  THE    MEXICAN; 

But  a  vision,  light  as  the  breath  that  breathed 

Thy  name — that  beckon'd  out  Fame's  radiant  goal 

Where  all  look'd  bright,  but  yet  delusive  still ; 

Aye,  even  transient  as  a  rainbow,  arching 

Heaven  high  with  belts  of  fire  resplendent 

To  one's  sight,  yet  wasting  as  it  shines ; 

For  there,  where  all  looks  pure  and  bright,  doth 

soon 

Become  as  darksome  as  before.    So  let 
The  vision  not  betray  nor  lead  thee  on, 
But  pause  in  thy  career,  ere  thou  doth  find 
Thy  hopes  of  worldly  greatness  all  in  vain ; 
Yes,  Rafael  dear,  oh !  prize  thy  peaceful  hours  more, 
And  with  me  learn  the  sacred  lessons 
Which  the  stars  that  shine  above  do  nightly  teach." 

" Must  I,  then,"  said  Rafael,  "exhaust  my  life 
In  sighs  ?  Let  love  pronounce  my  destiny." 

Then,  laying  her  soft  hand  in  his,  she  said : 
"  Ah !  Rafael  dear,  I  pray  thee,  mark  the  toils 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  49 

And  dangers  of  the  treacherous  deep 
Which  now  thy  daring  spirit  longs  to  brave." 

"  No  fear  have  I,"  Eafael  replied :  "  see  there, 

Morena ;  yonder  in  the  distance  stands 

A  structure  grand  and  high,  now  by  the  moss 

Of  ages  crown'd.    Yon  crumbling  pile,  in  times 

Gone  by,  was  my  forefathers'  seat.    There,  from 

Its  casement,  oft  have  I  in  infancy 

Look'd  out  and  watch'd  with  joy  the  dashing 

waves 

In  foam  break  on  the  rocky  knoll  which  forms 
Its  rugged  base.    'Twas  on  those  waves  in  youth 
That  Neptune  me  his  trident  gave,  and  there, 
Oft  since,  have  I  within  my  buoyant  skiff 
Been  tost  about,  a  youthful  mariner." 

"  A  wayward  prank  of  idle  youth, — no  more," 

Morena  said ;  "  but  now,  Rafael,  thou  art 

To  manhood  grown ;  thy  mind  with  reason  fraught. 


50  THE   MEXICAN; 

So,  wherefore  risk  the  faithless  main,  or  let 
The  din  of  noisy  war  now  yex  thy  peace  ?" 

"  To  fight,"  Eafael  replied,  "  in  Freedom's  cause 
Until  my  arm — if  fate  so  wills — shall  sink 
Beneath  the  weighty  sword,  all  for  thy  brow, 
My  dear,  the  laurel  wreath  of  victory  earning." 

"  But  thou  in  tropic  calms,  Eafael,  upon 
The  liquid  brine  may  languish,  or  p'rhaps,  find, 
When  out  upon  the  ocean  broad,  thy  barque  is 
Far  too  frail  to  dash  o'er  seas  tempestuous  : 
The  billow  of  the  angry  blast  to  rush 
Against  its  side,  its  rocking  keel  careen  : 
Then,  oh,  who  knows  what  terrors  might  arise 
To  call  thee  to  its  soundless  depths  below, 
Without  a  funeral  rite  nor  hallow'd  mark 
To  tell  me  where  thy  cold  remains  may  sleep ! 
Then  gentle  peace  on  earth  '  good-bye,'  my  voice 
Would  murmur  evermore;  grief  my  guest  would  be. 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  51 

I'd  weep  my  life  away ;  but  then,  dissolved 
In  tears,  Fd  run  to  ocean's  bed,  if  fate 
Ordain'd,  and  form  thy  watery  shroud.    But  yet, — • 
Ah  !  Eafael  dear,  take  heed, — still  at  my  side 
Keign  lord  of  my  heart.    Power  nor  wealth  in  life 
Are  naught  without  thee.    Cold  and  valueless 
"Will  be  all  things  about  if  thou  doth  leave 
Thy  native  place,  where  love  and  joy  prevail, 
To  mingle  with  tumultuous  men  at  war." 

Yet  still  her  mild  persuasion  fail'd  to  lure 
Him  from  his  lofty  aims.    Ambition  yet 
Knock'd  proudly  at  his  heart ;  and  so  obedient 
To  its  promptings,  said : 

"  Such  vicissitudes 

Are  naught  to  me,  for  duty  spurns  such  toils, 
However  vast.    I  feel  as  if  I  now 
Could  fight  in  zones  far  off,  where  torrid  heats 
Breed  plague  and  pestilence,  or  at  the  poles 
Abide,  where  nature  bound  in  chains  of  ice, 


52  THE     MEXICAN; 

Sleeps  fast  beneath  eternal  snows.    'Tis  now, 
In  truth,  the  only  love  I  feel." 

At  this, 

Morena's  eye  with  jealous  fire  flash'd ; 
Then  half  in  anger,  half  in  doubt,  she  said : 
"  0  thou  inconstant  man,  I  fear  'tis  thro' 
The  gay,  admiring  world,  where  beauty  reigns, 
That  thou  wouldst  roam,  and  there  in  wanton  love 
Entrall'd,  that  callous  soon,  and  cold  as  ice 
For  me  thy  heart  will  grow ;  for  absence  chills 
The  flame  divine.    Man  is  weak  when  woman 
Charms  him  with  her  beauty.     But  beware. 
The  wretch  who  wantons  after  every  face 
He  views,  from  faded  health  unto  an  early  death 
A  painful  life  doth  hourly  linger." 

Then,  free  and  open  as  the  passing  air, 
Eafael  replied :  "  Be  not  suspicious,  love : 
Too  much  I  value  thy  celestial  worth, 
To  leave  thee  in  despair  and  wander  with 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND  53 

A  mind  unfix'd  strange  regions  to  explore 
In  search  of  beauty  new.    I'll  from  my  love 
No  rebel  be.    No,  by  my  troth,  I  swear, 
That  love's  seductive  wiles  shall  never  lure 
Me  to  the  couch  where  beauty  slumbers ;  nor 
Shall  beauty's  tempting  smile  from  prudence  wean 
My  youthful  heart  and  bid  it  weakly  yield 
To  wanton  joys,  nor  things  that  dazzle  sight, 
Nor  merry  songs,  nor  plaintive  tunes :  in  brief, 
Not  all  seductive  love's  allurements  shall 
Estrange  thy  Eafael's  heart  from  thee.    For  tho' 
By  tyrant  love  now  chain'd,  yet  I  shall  be 
No  other  woman's  slave ;  nor  her  caprice 
Nor  fortune  proud  me  from  thee  shall  entice. 
Thy  modest  worth  alone  doth  recompense 
My  ardent  vows.    Be  I  'mid  genial  airs 
In  summer's  balmy  climes,  or  nipt  by  frost 
Of  winter  keen,  thou'lt  find  no  alter'd  love 
In  me  to  damp  thy  soul  with  grief,  and  wreck 
In  life  thy  hopes.    Ah,  no  !  for  me  thou'lt  find 


54  THE    MEXICAN; 

As  constant  as  the  magnet  to  the  poles ; 
E'en  as  the  moon  the  tides  controls,  so  thou 
Doth  me.     Content  am  I  with  thee.    In  vain 
I'd  search  the  half  earth  thro'  to  find 
One  lovelier  than  thyself — fond  partner 
Of  my  fate  and  fortunes.    Thy  mother  Eve 
Of  holy  fame  more  fair  than  thou  was  not. 
All  the  charms  that  others  boast  are  in  thee 
Concentrated  quite ;  nor  greatest  fame,  nor  heaps 
Of  treasured  gold  from  Montezuma's 
Caverns  deep  to  me  are  dearer ;  a  gem 
More  rare  and  brighter  than  a  star  not  known ; 
More  charming  than  a  queen  of  royal  court — 
Mine  in  heart  and  soul,  I  love  thee  next  my  God. 
Therefore,  Morena  dear,  have  done  with  doubting. 
Thou  mayst  live  to  see  how  vain  thy  fears  have 

been. 

My  way  is  mark'd,  my  mind  made  up ;  and  thou, 
Instead  of  weeping  tears  to  soften  down 
My  heart  and  win  me  over  to  thy  will 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  55 

Thro'  fear  and  doubt  from  waging  with  my  sword 
The  righteous  war  that  leads  to  victory, 
Should,  like  the  ladies  fair  of  olden  times, 
Who  bade  their  valiant  courtiers  take  up  arms 
In  a  just  cause,  me  likwise  urge  to  drive 
The  bold  invader  from  these  shores." 

"Yet  think, 

0  Eafael,  think,"  she  said,  "how  can  my  heart, 
When  thou  art  gone,  the  parting  pang  endure  1" 

"  Be  not  childish,  love ;  'tis  thine  to  bear ;  for  thou 
May  just  as  well  command  the  sun  that  rolls 
Overhead  to  stop  its  course,  as  now  to  swerve 
Me  from  my  resolution  firm.    E'en  tho' 
Sorrow  may  thy  raven  tresses  blanchen, 
And  tears  thine  eyes'  expressive  beauty  dim, 

1  shall  awhile  forego  these  rosy  hours. 
Duty  calls  me  hence,  and  bids  me  never 
Kneel  a  slave  to  haughty  power  in  this  land 
Where  my  forefathers  were  created  free. 


56  THE    MEXICAN; 

No  :  I  hate  the  tyrant  and  his  minions. 
What !  shall  I,  forsooth,  sit  down  and  fold 
My  arms  when  loud  the  voice  of  Freedom's  heard 
O'er  field  and  flood,  from  dell  to  mountain-top 
Chat  now  her  bleeding  patriots  dying  are, 
Beneath  the  sickly  sun  on  their  own  land, 
And  with  extended  hands,  and  moans,  beseeching 
Death  with  friendly  stroke  for  to  release  them 
From  their  shameful  fates  ?    Oh  !  I  spurn  the  tool 
Of  France  and  all  such  tyrants,  minions,  things ! 
Mourns  he  the  widow's  loss,  or  doth  he  grieve 
With  the  poor  orphan  made  thus  desolate 
Of  heart  ?    Not  he.     On  plunder  he  is  bent, 
To  gratify  his  pride ;  on  blood,  to  glut 
His  thirst  that  may  enhance  his  power :  for  he 
Hath  drag'd  the  peasant  from  his  lowly  cot, 
The   drooping    aged    snatch'd  from  his   leaning 

staff; 

Torn  from  their  sickly  beds  the  lingering  weak, 
And  thrust  them,  all  enfeebled,  in  foul  cells, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  57 

Because  they  in  their  sense  of  right  maintain'd 
Fair  freedom's  speech ! 

"  But  doom'd  beneath  their  roofs 
Of  mold  and  filth  of  dungeon  damp  they  may 
Be  for  a  time ;  yet  the  sun  doth  shine 
Above  their  sorrowing  heads.    Justice  still 
Doth    weigh    the    balance.      God    will    see    the 

measure 

Eight ;  and  oh !  if  He  doth  strength  impart 
To  willing  hands,  we  shall  not  know  an  hour 
Of  rest  until  this  land  is  free." 

At  this, 

Morena's  jealous  fear  gave  way.    A  flood 
Of  light  broke  in  upon  her  darkened  soul; 
And  clearer  grew  fair  Reason's  beam.     New  truths 
Her  mind  enlightened.    Her  brighten'd  look  did 

then 

The  triumph  of  his  suit  attest.    Long  since 
Had  Rafael  won  her  heart,  but  he  now  gain'd 
A  victory  o'er  her  mind.    Her  answering  smiles 


58  THE   MEXICAN; 

His  warlike  course  endorsed.    He  then,  the  idol 
Of  her  bosom's  love,  would  be  her  care  discreet. 

"  Ah,  yes,"  she  said,  "  I  now  all  fear  resign, 
For  with  thy  love,  Eafael,  I  still  am  blest. 
'Tis  ordain'd  by  Him  above  that  we  should 
Part :  I'll  trust  in  thee,  nor  longer  bid  thee 
Now  defer  thy  duty." 

Then  afterward, 

Half  boastingly,  she  said  that  she  was  stout 
Of  heart — could  fight  as  well  as  he  himself. 

"  Oh,  take  me  with  thee,  Eafael,  to  the  wars," 
She  said.    "Fear  not :  woman  tho'  I  am,  thou'lt 
Find  me  brave.    Much  I  can  endure — aye !  more, 
Perchance,  than  thou  conceives :  if  not  to  fight, 
I  can  upon  the  wounded  wait,  and  stanch 
The  blood  the  deadly  missile  makes ;  assuage 
Their  woes :  a  balm  their  dying  spirits  need 
To  charm  them  with  new  hopes  of  life." 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAtfD.  59 

When  with 
These    words    she    had    her  venturesome    deeds 

exprest, 

Rafael  glanced  with  admiration  on 
Her  soft,  angelic  form,  and  said : 

"No,  no! 

Morena  dear,  the  task  is  quite  too  hard ; 
Thy  sex  too  weak,  too  finely  strung,  in  shape 
Too  delicate  for  toils  and  dangers  of 
Tumultuous  war ;  such  hazards  are  for  man 
Severe ;  nor  could  he  them  withstand,  nor  brave, 
If  duty  did  not  urge,  necessity 
His  strength  and  skill  demand." 

Morena, 

Then,  her  Rafael  hail'd  with  more  congenial  mood. 
She  praised  him  then  with  accents  kind,  admired 
His  soul  so  full  of  action  warm,  as  if  he  had 
By  nature  been  for  contest  bred. 

So  there 
She  then  with  hopeful  heart  and  mind  perused 


60 

The  future  thro',  and  raised  a  palace  grand 
All  splendor  in  her  radiant  fancy  bright, 
With  glittering  titles,  honors  too  to  share 
In  happy  future  days  with  her  young  friend. 

"  When  far  away  thou  art,"  she  said,  "  my  much 
Loved     lyre     shall     make     my    sinking    heart 

rejoice ; 

And  ere  I  seek  repose,  my  wakeful  eyes 
At  night,  the  tardy  time  to  kill,  shall  glean 
The  legendary  tale." 

Then  wrangling  Mars 
And  Cupid  quartered  in  their  leafy  camp, 
Seeing  the  sun  dipt  on  the  ocean's  verge, 
Up  from  their  seats  arose,  and,  arm-in-arm, 
In  lovelinks  fondly  twined,  they  saunter'd  with 
An  easy  gait  along  a  pathway  ample, 
Wide,  and  girt  with  flowering  shrubs. 

Soon  they  reach'd. 
With  graceful  step  and  slow,  the  palace  of 


OR,     LOVE     AXD     LAND.  61 

Don  Pedro,  fair  Morena's  honor'd  sire, 
Whose  shiny  pate  a  bald  index  reveal'd 
That  there  old  Time  a  barber  turn'd  and  shorn 
It  of  the  silken  locks  his  youth  had  wove. 
But  yet  he  bore  his  weight  of  years  well. 
He  sturdy  was  with  veins  by  age  unchill'd ; 
In  sight  yet  unimpair'd ;  enjoying  length 
Of  days — sweet  blessings  of  a  well-earn'd  past 
Upon  his  rich  possessions  broad. 

Just  then, 

With  prideful  step  Don  Pedro  trod  his  lawn, 
And  met  Morena  and  her  lover  brave, 
But  not  with  scornful  brow ;  but  smiling,  low 
He  bent  his  head,  and  haiPd  with  outstretched 

hands 

The  loving  twain  with  hearty  cheer.    For  well 
He  knew  brave  Eafael's  heart,  his  aims  in  life, 
Its  sweet  civilities  himself  too  well 
To  cross  our  hero's  love  with  warnings  harsh 
And  frowns  importunate ;  for  he  could  see 


62 

The  lovers  were  to  each  betroth'd,  and  'gainst 
Their  yearning  souls  no  opposition  firm 
He  placed,  but  nursed  and  cherish'd  the  best  gift 
Of  heaven,  gave    it    growth    while    young    and 

tender 
Were  their  hearts  enwreathed  with  fondness  holy. 

Now  proud  Don  Pedro  also  felt  to  think 
His  daughter  won  the  heart  of  one  so  brave, 
With  rectitude,  undeviating  from 
The  ways  of  truth  that  grace  and  dignify 
The  mellow  morn  of  youth  and  ripen'd  age. 
For  well  he  knew  how  pure  was  Rafael's  caste : 
The  son  of  an  undaunted  Mexican 
In  arms  renown'd,  who,  bold  and  resolute, 
Had  often  there  with  martial  firmness  led 
His  matchless  soldiers  'gainst  Columbia's  hosts 
At  Monterey.    So  Don  Pedro  anxious  was, 
That  Rafael's  honor'd  name  should  live  from  age 
To  age,  and  hoped  his  blood  would  never  cease 


OB,     LOVE     AND    LAND.  63 

In  human  veins  to  course  till  blood  and  earth, 
On  the  last  day,  were  one  mix'd  element. 

So,  thus  for  BafaePs  weal  solicitous, 
Don  Pedro,  moved  by  fond  paternal  love, 
Him  warmly  held  fast  by  the  hand. 

Eafael, 

Meantime,  gracefully  the  sire  saluted. 
With    reverend    hand    he    raised    his    hat,    and 

bow'd 
With  forehead  bare  down  to  the  Don,  then  said : 

"  Thou  dost  the  evening's  balmy  air  respire, 
Sefior." 

"  Tis  nature's  cordial,  good  my  boy, 
For  spirits  low ;  the  heart  it  cheers  and  life 
Prolongs,"  was  old  Don  Pedro's  answer. 

Then 

Marking  well  the  vein  of  humor  in  the  Don, 
Rafael  soon  perceived  the  opportunity 


64  THE   MEXICAN; 

And  place  inclined  him  to  engage 
Awhile  the  mind  congenial  of  the  sire. 

Tho'  never  broach'd,  as  yet,  by  word  of  mouth, 
He  there  and  then  essay'd  to  ask  the  hand 
Of  her  he  loved,  in  wedlock  holy. 

Now, 

Quick  with  joy  Don  Pedro's  heart  did  beat ; 
That  instant  there  his  hand  felt  free  to  give 
Eafael  his  daughter  fair ;  but  he  a  moment 
There  abstracted  stood  in  thought;  for  then  he  felt 
In  duty  bound  his  daughter's  heart  to  guard 
Against  desire  too  quick,  then  burning,  p'rhaps, 
In  Eafael's  breast ;  so,  deigning  a  reply, 
Don  Pedro  clung  fast  hold  of  Eafael's  hand, 
And  said : 

"Eafael,  well  I  know  thy  honor'd  race ; 
Thy  father  was  himself  a  soldier  brave, 
But  who,  while  coping  'gainst  superior  force,    „ 
Amid  the  arduous  strife  fell  dead  at  Monterey ; 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  65 

His  name,  his  history,  and  his  fate  are  now 

Upon  his  country's  page  inscribed ;  and  thou, 

The  sole  survivor  of  that  warrior  tried 

In  contest  fierce  against  Columbia's  host, 

"Will  ne'er,  I  trow,  dishonor  the  good  name 

Of  him  thy  valiant  parent  kind.    Upon 

Thy  sapling  youth  a  watchful  eye  he  kept, 

And  pruned  thy  budding  manhood  of  dank  weeds, 

To  bend  thy  mind  to  good  and  give  thy  tree 

Of  life  its  stalwart  growth.    Therefore,  thou  seest, 

I  know  thy  grafted  merits  well ;  aye !  more 

Than  that, — I  know,  also,  that  up  to  date 

Thy  life  by  crime  nor  falsehood  hath  been  stain'd." 

Then  Eafael  lowly  to  the  Don  bent  down 

His  head,  and  there,  with  manly  heart  and  voice, 

He  told  him  all  about  his  mission  bold. 

Don  Pedro  murmur'd  out  his  praises  loud, 
And  said :  "  Brave  youth,  long  mayst  thou  live 
To  raise  with  valiant  arm  the  sword  on  sea 


66  THE    MEXICAN; 

Or  land  in  Freedom's  cause  !    A  lasting  name 
Is  worthy  of  the  brave.    All  hallow'd  be 
Thy  fame  when  thou  art  from  existence  gone, 
Thro'  death  to  mingle  with  immortal  gods 
In  heavens  of  light  and  bliss  eternal. 

"  To  thee 

I'll  give  my  daughter  fair.    Her  I  shall  guard, 
Near  at  my  side  when  thou,  Eafael,  goeth  hence 
Manfully  in  thy  prime  to  dare  the  foe 
In  battle  fierce ;  and  when  the  labor,  thirst, 
And  perils  of  thy  patriotic  course 
Are  o'er,  my  daughter  shall  thy  worth  reward, 
And  crown  thy  wish,  my  honor' d  youth,  with  cla  :ms 
To  bind  thee  fondly  with  a  thousand  ties  - 
Connubial  in  the  future.    Now,  what  says 
Morena,  eh  ?  speak,  child." 

"  Oh,  I'm  agreed 

That  Rafael  shall  go  forth  in  Freedom's  cause 
To  earn  a  place  among  the  chiyalrous  sons 
Of  men." 


OK,     LOVE     AKD     LAND.  67 

"  Well  said,  my  child,"  the  sire  replied. 
"  May  heaven  bless  ye  both.    May  nothing  mar 
Your  hopes  of  future  happiness."    Then  he  took 
Each  by  the  hand,  and  led  them  from  the  lawn, 
With  him  the  evening  meal  to  share. 


CHAPTER    III. 

Now  ere  a  month  its  course  had  run,  Don  Pedro 
Call'd  from  far  and  near  unto  his  hall,  friends 
And  dames,  and  sires  old,  fair  beauteous  youths, 
With  maidens  lovely — all  Morena's  friends 
To  join  with  him  in  banquet  of  good  things. 


70  THE   MEXICAN; 

So  there,  as  was  their  wont  on  gala  days, 
They  flock'd  from  fair  Sonora's  dingles,  hills, 
And  dells,  around  in  festive  throng,  and  paid 
The  alcalde  high  their  kind  regards. 

Many 

A  friend  he  had, — his  urbane  nature  won 
Them  over  to  his  side ;  and  on  that  night 
His  spacious  halls  with  a  gay  throng  were  fill'd : 
There  all  within  betoken'd  splendor  rare ; 
All,  in  fine,  was  brilliant,  gay. 

"Welcome,  friends," 
Don  Pedro  said,  as  they  approach'd  him  near. 

Then  soon  around  the  board  in  festive  cheer 
They  all  in  groups  assembled,  sat  and  quafFd 
Their  cups  brimful  of  ruddy  wine,  which  fill'd 
All  hearts  with  pleasure,  joy,  and  song. 

Rafael 

There  was  seen ;  all  his  form  beheld ;  maidens  fair, 
With  earnest  eyes,  his  dress,  his  gait,  admired ; 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  71 

And,  meantime,  envied  his  Morena  near, 
Who  at  his  side,  in  dress  with  pearl  and  gold 
En  wrought,  so  pensive,  silent  sat. 

They  spoke 

On  themes  both  grave  and  gay ;  on  fashion,  arts ; 
But  yet  the  subject  of  their  converse  ran 
Mostly  in  the  vein  of  stormy  war. 
All    mark'd    how  glib    this  made    Don    Pedro's 

tongue ; 

A  noble  son-in-law  in  prospect,  p'rhaps, 
Or  still,  perchance,  the  cup's  inspiring  power 
His  heart  had  warm'd ;  for  oh,  how  animate 
He  was !  how  keen  and  piercing  then  his  eye ! 
The  fire  of  courage  burn'd  within  his  breast; 
For  he  tho'  long  from  cares  of  state  retired, 
Yet  kept  an  eye  upon  his  country's  rights, 
And  fearlessly  dared,  before  his  friends, 
To  scan  with  nicest  scrutiny  the  wrongs 
She  then  endured. 


72  THE   MEXICAN; 

So  there,  up  from  his  seat, 
Obedient  to  his  warmth,  Don  Pedro  rose 
And  spake th  to  his  mirthful  guests  around : 
"  This  night,  my  friends,  we  have  assembled  here 
To  pay  the  homage  due  the  gallant  men 
Who  earnestly  with  noble  hearts  and  hands 
Go  forth,  at  break  of  day,  with  holy  zeal 
And  righteous  vengeance  in  their  breasts  com- 
bined, 

To  smite,  with  frames  of  iron  strength,  and  hands 
Of  steel,  their  country's  foes  with  fiery  shafts 
Of  war  on  the  broad  sea  in  stanch  craft  built 
Of  firmest  oak,  all  metal-bound.    If  Time's 
Allotted  span  had  not  my  date  of  life 
Abridged,  but  gave  me  strength  in  my  decline, 
Old  as  I  am,  I  swear  I  would  myself 
Go  forth  and  wield  with  pliant  aim  the  sword 
To  rend  from  the  enslaved  the  galling  chains 
Which  the  despotic  hands  of  Max  hath  wrought ; 
Aye!  the  tyrant's  stern  commands lebuke;  avenge 


OB,     LOVE    AND     LAND.  73 

Myself  on  him  who  hath  come  here  to  rob 

Us  of  our  hapless  land,  and  so,  thereby, 

Would    string   new    honors  on  life's    lengthened 

chain;  yes, 

Altho'  the  vital  thread  that  links  my  soul 
To  life  should  the  next  moment  severM  be. 
No  fear  of  death  have  I;  for  die  I  must 
When  nature  calls  me  hence  to  mingle  with 
The  earth  from  whence  I  came ;  but  when  I  die 
I  want  my  bones  laid  down  in  Freedom's  lap 
Of  earth,  which  I  myself  have  help'd  to  make." 

Then  shouts  applauding  rang  throughout  the  hall, 
"  Well  said,  Senor !  go  on."    While  there,  meantime, 
Vivacious  yet,  Don  Pedro  quaff'd  again 
The  warm  libation  down,  and  thus  forthwith 
His  speech  resumed : 

"  But  mark  the  despot's  craft : 
Here,    my    friends,    with    tongue    so    mild    and 
plausible, 


74  THE    MEXICAN; 

He  solely  comes,  lie  says,  to  pacify 
Our  hapless  discontents  domestic ! 
Now,  his  deeds  alone  his  tongue  belie ; 
The  wily  knave  unblushingly  with  sword 
In  hand,  now  strews  our  loved  domains  with  those 
Who  dare  with  arms  defend  their  native  land. 
In  dignified  disgrace  a  ruthless  wretch 
He  stands  before  the  world  for  his  attempt 
To  subjugate  our  land,  where  he  a  horde 
Of  traitors — base-born,  cringing  knaves — around 
Himself  hath  drawn ;  but  they  disloyal  are 
In  hopes  of  gain ;  the  spoils  of  office 
Their  reward.    In  guise  dissembling,  they 
For  their  excuse  proclaim  that  the  black  cloud 
Of  fate  hangs  o'er  the  land ;  that  peace  hath  flown 
Prom  these  unhappy  shores ;  that  factions  tend 
Eepublics,  and  foment  internal  feuds ; 
Therefore  a  monarchy  they  wish.    These  are 
The  views   of  those   whose   factious  voice   hath 
brought 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  75 

Us  oft  upon  the  verge  of  grim  rebellion ; 

But  I,  for  one,  disdain  those  recreant  knaves, 

Who  for  a  monarch's  badge  their  birthright  sold. 

Those  self-same  secret  foes,  who  often  here, 

Time  and  again,  have,  under  the  mild  form 

Of  freedom,  played  the  tyrant's  r6le,  have  sought 

Of  late,  in  guise  of  amity,  by  bribes 

To  play  upon  my  credent  mind  and  win 

Me  over  to  the  bold  usurper's  power, 

So  I  with  their  consenting  voice  shall  crown 

Him  great.    Him  great,  forsooth  !  a  pigmy  man ! 

High  dudgeon  vast  of  peerless  Mexico ! 

Fit  only  for  a  king !  right  royal  liege 

Just  from  the  mighty  house  of  Ha,psburg,  do 

Accept  the  crown.    Take  it  now,  adventurer ; 

We  barter  oft  with  traffickers  in  thrones 

For  promised  honors.    'Tis  cheap,  aye !  very  cheap, 

Indeed !  yet,  we  ask  no  more ;  'tis  thine ;  do 

With  it  what  you  will ;  unearth  its  treasures  vast, 

And  feed  thy  courtly  drones  and  titled  things — 


76  THE   MEXICAN; 

Those  idols  of  courts  and  puppets  of  pomp — 
My  traitor  countrymen  in  royal  garb 
Of  state  enrobed,  who  strut  and  lounge  about, 
First  favorites  of  thy  smile ! 

"  0  ye  schemers  vile ! 

Ye'll  down  upon  your  knees,  and  yet  atone, 
With  penitent  hearts,  past  sins.    /  will  not  bite 
Thy  tempting  bait ;  hence  to  some  other  brook, 
And  there  try  hook  a  more  confiding  gudgeon. 
What !  obey  the  sovereign  whim  of  despots 
In  my  native  land !  Oh,  infamy  supreme ! 

"  Yea,  my  friends,  them  have  I  shun'd.     0  fate ! 
Avert    their    schemes.      I    scorn    the   man   who 

makes 

A  tyrant  of  himself;  and  not,  so  long 
As  I  survive,  will  I  unfaithful  prove 
To  yon  true  flag  that  waves  for  man  and  Freedom ! 

"  So  now  let  all  unite  and  look  on  each 
With  eyes  fraternal,  else  greater  evils 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  77 

May  our  land  befall.    All  feuds  domestic 

Should  be  now  forgotten  quite ;  aye,  buried 

In    our   hearts,  where    kindred    feelings    should 

prevail. 

We  should  in  friendliness  and  concord  live, 
That  we  may  hope  to  see  our  country  freed 
From  despots  and  their  myrmidons.    A  youth 
There  stands  with  heart  for  the  encounter  rife ; 
He  hath  his  brain  and  blood  from  valiant  chiefs 
Illustrious,  and  all  of  matchless  prowess 
Famed ;  and  skill'd  in  naval  art,  he  foremost 
Now  among  his  classmates  stands  confest : 
Come  hither,  champion  brave !  the  rostrum  mount : 
Let's  hear  thee  speak." 

Then  down  Don  Pedro  sat 
Mid  shouts  prolong'd  and  loud  thro'  hearty  cheera 

three : 
His  counsel  there  by  all  approved. 

Now, 
Peal  after  peal,  to  the  festoon'd  roof,  shot  up 


78  THE     MEXICAN; 

For  Kafael  brave.    "  A  speech,  a  speech  essay," 
They  cried.    So  then,  obedient  to  their  wish, 
Forth  Eafael  stept  and  fill'd  his  goblet  rare — 
All  gold  inlaid — with  ruddy  wine :  then  down 
His  throat  the  soul-inspiring  draught  he  pour'd ; 
The  juice  spread  through  his  frame;  his  breast 

inspired ; 

"With  joy  his  heart  elated.    Then  to  his  knees 
Their  pristine  spring  he  gave,  and  high  above 
The  rest  he  stood.    Awhile  prelusive  round 
The  hall  he  gazed,  then  forth  his  tongue  these  words 
Essay'd : 

"  Ye  sires  and  sons,  ye  maidens, 
Wives,  and  mothers  all,  a  bold  invader 
From  a  scepter'd  throne  'cross  far-off  seas, 
Hath  with  his  foreign  legions  bold,  all  arm'd 
"With  war's  destructive  engines  vile,  come  here 
Unsummon'd  to  these  shores  auriferous, 
And,  vainly  vaunting  of  his  combats  won 
"With  reeking  blade  upon  red  foreign  fields 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  79 

Of  slaughter,  audaciously,  with  breath  accurst 

Proclaims  himself  aloud  sole  potentate 

Of  Mexico,  our  blessed  land,  to  rule 

With  civil  laws  profess'd ;  but  'tis  to  shackle 

Firm  in  tyrant  chains  of  adamant  our  race, 

Whom  he,  faint  image  of  his  God,  adjudges 

Rude,  unpolish'd ;  so  they,  when  down  enthralled, 

Must  bow  to  him  who  thus  approves  himself 

So  great.     Oh,  Heaven  forbid  that  we  should  e'er 

Allegiance  own  to  him,  the  foreign  sneak ! 

No  !  I,  with  other  freeborn  Mexicans, 

Shall  never  servile  bend  a  knee  to  do 

In  our  land  a  foreign  monarch  homage. 

Montezuma's  sons  alone  can  judge 

What  still  is  best  for  erring  Mexico ; 

For  they,  although  at  times  their  country  may 

Be  rent  by  civil  feuds,  yet  want  no  tool 

Of  haughty  France  to  rule  with  tyrant  laws 

Her  disaffected  people.    Her  patriots, 

Brave  and  true,  fair  Freedom's  charter  will  maintain 


80  THE    MEXICAN; 

Thro'  fire  and  blood,  ere  they  bow  down  their  neoN 

To  the  despotic  yoke  a  tyrant's  hand 

Hath  wrought.    No  \  we,  with  firm  and  righteous 

hands, 

Shall  wield  the  sword  thro'  dangers  e'en  to  death 
Against  that  scepter'd  minion  of  a  king, 
Who,  if  it  be  not  wrested  from  his  grasp, 
Will  sit  in  pride  of  purple  state  enthroned 
In  Montezuma's  halls,  and  there,  exulting 
O'er  his  wondrous  blood  and  rank,  will  chuckle 
To  himself,  'I  a  prince  imperial  was, 
But  now  I'm  Mexico's  great  emperor.' 
0  man,  vain  man !  thou  tak'st  upon  thyself 
Much  pride.    Thou'lt  wear  thy  bloodstain'd  laurels 

low. 

A  juster  crown  the  generous  wear.    Doing 
Private  good  with  moral  worth  would  earn 
Thee  far  more  lasting  praise.    Thy  name  in  song 
Immortalized  would  be,  and  orphans  too, 
On  bended  knees,  would  raise  their  voice  on  high 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  81 

And  pray :  '  that  monarch  best  deserves  to  reign 
Who  studies  the  just  welfare  of  mankind ;' 
For  on  that  gilded  throne,  my  friends,  he  can 
But  sit  awhile  in  purple  state,  without 
A  wreath  of  merit  on  his  brazen  brow ; 
And  there  presiding  with  his  courtly  drones, 
Talk  and  smile  o'er  his  great  triumph  bold 
In  this  our  land  by  wealth  so  favor'd. 
Besides,  his  life  may  with  his  reign  here  end ; 
An  arm  indignant  of  some  patriot  youth 
The  blow  may  strike,  or  p'rhaps  he'll  be  removed, 
By  flight  compell'd  to  seek  his  rest  in  Gaul, 
And  there,  thro'  shame,  regret  his  usurp'd  course 
In  Mexico. 

"  Therefore,  my  friends,  let  naught 
Alarm  us.    To  one  end  let  all  unite. 
A  kindred  spirit  will  sustain  us  firmly 
As  doth  the  oak  the  ivy,  if  we  fight 
For  Freedom  in  this  land  where  tyranny 
Not  long  can  reign. 


82  THE     MEXICAN; 

"  So  now  let  every  one 
Who  loves  his  native  land,  himself  arouse 
From  out  the  sullen  dearth  of  sloth.    'Tis  no  time 
For  sleep,  but  action  on  the  field,  or  sea. 
All  arm'd,  here  let  him  look  upon  this  flag 
With  raptur'd  eye  admiringly,  to  make 
His  heart  undaunted  rise  and  urge  him  forth 
With  all  the  fierceness  God  hath  given,  to  prove 
His  valor  on  the  field.    Let  him  unheed 
The  menace  of  superior  force.    If  we, 
Forsooth,  have  not  an  equal  force,  we  have, 
At  least,  far  more  than  equal  fire  to  urge 
Us  on  to  meet  the  foe  and  struggle  to  be  free. 
Therefore,  be  not  dismay'd,  but  scorn  his  laws, 
His  pleas,  his  awful  threats,  his  spite  confound, 
His  puny  power  hate :  in  short,  let  all 
But  cowards,  who  with  diffidence  look  on, 
Regardless  of  their  country's  fate,  rebuke 
The  stern,  unblushing  gaze  of  despots. 
Here,  with  oppression's  sword,  one  hath  let  out 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  83 

Our  patriots'  unoffending  blood.     But  tho' 
They  cold  and  stiff  do  sleep  beneath  the  soil 
That  gave  them  birth,  yet  still  their  spirits  rise, 
Their  voices  mingle  with  the  wind,  and  urge 
Us  onward  to  avenge  their  cruel  fates." 

Saying  which,  then  Kafael's  men  stept  forth, 
And  from  their  scabbards  dangling  at  their  sides 
Their  trusty  swords  withdrew.     They  crost  their 

own 

With  his  bright  blade,  then  down  upon  their  knees, 
All  frank,  with  open  hearts,  aloud  exclaimed : 

"  Tho'  fate  may  frown  adverse,  and  cowards  scoff 
And  jeer,  yet  still  thro'  toil  and  peril  vast, 
On  sea  or  land,  with  our  bold  chief,  who  hath 
The  strength  and  mind  to  guide  us  rightly  where 
The  battle  presses  most,  we  swear  to  wage, 
Thro'  smoke  and  fire,  victorious  war  until 
We're  from  our  shameful  bondage  loosed,  and  peace 


84  THE    MEXICAN; 

And  freedom  are,  throughout  the  land,  declared 
Once  more." 

This  touch'd  the  listeners'  hearts.    All  felfc 
Their  breasts  were  moved  with  love  of  land,  and 

haiFd 

The  braves  with  one  accordant  cheer.     From  man 
To  man,  from  maid,  and  matron  bending  'neath 
Her  weight  of  years,  the  praise  went  round.     All 

grasp'd, 

In  turn,  our  hero  firmly  by  the  hand. 
Thrice  three  times,  three  hundred  tongues  rang  out 
His  name ;  the  roof  caught  up  the  sound,  and  still 
The  name  of  Kafael  Alvarez  prolong'd. 

Thus,  unmark'd  by  all,  the  time  went  by,  till 
Prom  the  east  on  flew,  o'er  land  and  sea, 
The  new-born  day  with  silvery  pinions  dipt 
All  in  the  purpling  dyes  of  morn,  and  swept 
The  gloomy  night's  dim  shadow  from  the  earth. 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  85 

Then  Kafael  rose  amid  the  group,  look'd  out, 
And  said :  "  Come,  friends  and  comrades  all,  'tis  time 
To  go.    The  morning  bird  with  joyous  notes 
Doth  greet  the  day." 

Then  oh,  what  shaking  of 
Hands    commenced!  what    kissing  there!     How 

many 

Parting  tears,  like  jets  of  pearly  dew,  shone 
In  the  eyes  of  maidens  fair,  as  they  prest 
Round,  with  beating  hearts,  to  bid  from  trembling 

lips 

The  last  fond  word  "  adieu."    Commingling 
With  regret  and  fear  some  thought  that  fate  would 
Mark  the  steps  of  the  adventurers  bold 
With  some  mishap  unknown ! 

Then  from  the  palace 
Onward  they  in  file  continuous  follow'd 
Eafael,  who,  with  footstep  firm,  then  march'd 
Majestic  down  a  winding  cleft  of  rock 
Thro'  which  the  Gulf  wind,  wafting  cool  and  fresh, 


86  THE   MEXICAN; 

ToyM  with  his  raven  hair.    His  ears  attuned 
.From  boyhood  up,  soon  caught  the  murmur 
Of  the  shore.    The  ocean  broaden'd  to  his  view, 
And  out  upon  its  heaving  bosom,  bounding 
Lightly  to  and  fro,  he  saw  his  craft 
In  warlike,  martial  aspect  frowning,  just 
Five  furlongs  from  the  shore. 

Then  Rafael  blew 

From  bugle  horn  a  blast ;  the  sightless  note 
Across  the  main  on  pinions  briny  flew. 
The  boatswain  from  the  deck  the  summons  heard, 
And  there  and  then,  with  well-tried  seamen  two, 
They  pullM  with  practiced  arm  the  yawl-boat  thro' 
The  dark-blue  wave,  until  her  swift  keel  delved 
A  channel  snug  within  the  beachy  sand. 

Meanwhile,  upon  the  sandy  beach  there  stood 
Bold  Rafael  with  Morena  from  the  group 
Apart;  his  arm  the  fond  guerdon  that  twined 
Her  fair  waist.    Speechless  there,  almost  as  pale 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  87 

As  one  in  ghostly  grief,  she  stood  with  head 
Downcast  and  aching  eyes  with  tears  bedew'd, 
Presaging  some  disaster  dire  might  rise 
And  sever  him  from  her. 

"  What  ails  thee,  love  ? 
Thou  seem'st  unhappy  with  emotions  strong. 
Now,  come,  cheer  up,  be  wise,  and  emulate 
What  reason  best  conceives,  ere  a  pang  severe 
May    rend    the    link    that    binds    thy    soul    to 
earth." 

"  Ah  me !"  she  sighed,  "  ere  I  by  fate  am  from 

Thee  torn  apart,  one  boon,  Eafael,  I  crave." 

"  Name  it,  love.      Be  brief;  time  flies." — "  Know 

then,"  she  said, 

"When  I  am  left  behind,  unscreen'd  from  eyes 
Too  jealous  of  thy  love,  alas !  the  hours, 
Day  after  day,  week  in  and  week  out,  will 
Come  and  go,  all  full  of  painful  watchings 
For  thy  glad  return  from  scenes  remote,  where 


88  THE    MEXICAN; 

Thou,  estranged  from  my  fond  View,  perchance, 

may 

Soon  forget  to  think  of  me.    Oh,  then,  how 
"Wretched  would  my  life  be  spent !  but  yet  I  hope, 
Fond  Eafael,  prudence  will  thy  actions  guide, 
And  honor  ne'er  forsake  thy  heart  when  thou 
Amid  the  tumult  of  the  mad'ning  world 
Doth  mingle. 

"  Here,  amid  these  joyous  scenes, 
From  morn  till  night,  I  shall  incessant  roam 
And  sigh  until  I  see  thee  once  again : 
Aye !  unmindful  of  fair  nature's  beauties, 
I,  from  rosy  hour  of  morn,  till  noon 
And  blushing  beamy  eye,  the  twilight  blends 
With    night's    dark    shade,    shall    sit    and   rore 

with  thee 

In  fancy  o'er  yon  gleaming  main.    Wilt  thou 
As  fondly  think  of  me  ?  " 

"  Think  of  thee— yes !" 
Eafael  with  manly  zeal  replied ;  "  ne'er  could 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  89 

I  forget  the  light  that  beams  so  pure  within 
Thy  true  heart's  diadem.    On  me  thou  canst 
Eely.    All  tempting  smiles  I  shall  unheed ; 
Aye,  firm  and  true  I'll  be  to  thee !    Where'er 
I  may  be, — cast  upon  far  distant  strands, 
Among  the  rich  and  low,  the  high,  the  great, 
Or  scaling  unfrequented  Alps  of  snow, 
Or    clamb'ring    steeps    of    mountains    drear,    or 

swelt'ring 

'Neath  a  torrid  zone  on  Afric's  burning  sands, — 
Unmindful  of  fatigue,  I'll  think  of  thee. 

"  In  eager  chase  of  foes  upon  the  main, 
Sweet  thoughts  of  thee,  Morena  dear,  will  rise : 
"When  tempests  howl,  amid  the  darkest  hour 
Of  night,  thou  in  the  rayless  gloom  wilt,  like 
A  specter,  haunt  my  brain ;  and  when  my  bark 
In  calms  serene  on  ocean's  stilly  bed 
Doth  rest,  thy  image  fond  in  fancy's  beam 
Will  shine  as  clear  and  fair  as  now  thou  art 


90  THE   MEXICAH; 

Before  my  eyes  in  day's  bright  gleam  enwrapt. 

"  Or  if,  perchance,  I'm  on  a  sea  of  ice, 
Beneath  a  cold  moon  sleeping  fast,  there  still 
My  dreams  with  happy  visions  of  thee  will 
Be  fill'd  ;  aye,  even  when  I'm  kneeling  down, 
Communing  with  my  God,  a  spirit  sweet 
Thro3  nightly  shades,  to  hear  my  prayer,  thou'lt 
come." 

This  said,  Morena  raised  from  Rafael's  breast 
Her  head,  and,  gazing  in  his  bright  dark  eye, 
She  naught  but  pure,  unsullied  honor  saw 
There,  scorning  every  thought  of  love  forlorn 
And  breach  of  nuptial  vow. 

"  Dear  Eafael,  go," 

She  said,  "where  ocean's  waves  expand,  and  seek 
New  honors  for  thy  manly  brow ;  and  may 
God  waft  thee  safely  o'er  the  deep,  again, 
To  me :  till  then,  in  thought,  thy  image, 
Rafael,  I  shall  trace  upon  thy  journeyings." 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  91 

Just  then,  wrapt  in  the  trailing  shadow  of 
A  cloud  fast  rolling  'neath  the  glancing  sun, 
Don  Pedro,  treading  deep  the  sinking  sands, 
With  stately  step  the  spot  approach'd  where  stood 
The  parting  lovers,  lisping  soft  and  low, 
'Twixt  earth  and  sky,  their  hopes  and  fears. 

«  May  God 

The  billows  smooth,  brave  boy,  when  fast  thy  bark 
Is  plunging  o'er  the  raging  sea ;  and  winds 
Propitious  waft  thee  and  thy  comrades  brave, 
Again  to  fair  Sonera's  strand,"  he  said. 

"  For  thy  good  wishes,  Sefior,  pray  accept 
My  grateful  thanks,"  then  Rafael,  bowing,  said. 
"  I  leave  my  much-loved  object  to  thy  care : 
Sefior,  guard  well  thy  trust ;  for  she,  alone, 
Is  the  sole  pride  and  glory  of  my  life." 

"  I  shall  with  fond  paternal  care,  my  friend, 
Guard  well  my  child.    What  says  Morena,  eh  ?  " 
A  passionate  kiss  was  her  fond  answer. 


92  THE    MEXICAN; 

So  then  the  hour  of  parting  came ;  the  god 
Of  light  shone  half  the  day ;  all  prest  in  turn 
Our  hero's  hand.    All  said,  "  God  save  and  speed 
Thee  on  thy  briny  way !" 

Then  Eafael  to 

His  panting  heart  Morena  drew.     They  kiss'd, 
Embraced,  shook  hands,  and  in  their  parting  sighs 
Each  bade  to  each  "  farewell ! " 

Then  eagerly  forth 

He  from  her  folding  arms  withdrew,  and  sprang, 
With  hasty  step  and  firm,  a  slanting  plank 
That  bridged  the  yawl-boat  there  from  beach  to 

wave. 

Just  where  Morena  stood  in  grief  to  catch 
His  parting  breath,  a  score  of  throats  rang  out, 
"  A  safe  return  to  Eafael  brave  I" 

This  heard, 

He  answered  back,  "  Good-bye !"    Then  to  himself 
He  bade  a  long  adieu ! 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  93 

The  yawl-boat  stanch, 
By  nimble  oars  plied,  on  swiftly  skipt 
Across  the  rough  waves'  crest  to  where  the  bark 
Then  darkly  on  the  brine  lay  moorM. 

There  soon 

Our  hero,  like  a  scepter'd  chief,  upon 
Her  cleanly  deck  stood  high  among  his  crew, 
All  tough  as  steel,  with  features  rough  and  tan'd 
By  the  briny  winds  of  many  a  sea. 

So  while  the  seamen  scan'd,  from  head  to  foot, 

Brave  Rafael's  manly  form,  and  saw  how  much 

It  tallied  with  his  inborn  worth,  they  all, 

Amid  their  admiration,  wonder'd  why 

His  usual  buoyant  spirits  were  o'ercast 

By  grief  or  sorrow  strange,  to  them  unknown, 

Down  pressing  on  his  heart. 

But  brief  the  time 

Of  their  surmise ;  for  soon  he  bid  his  tars 
Unbend  the  sails.    "  The  anchor  weigh,"  he  cried ; 


94  THE   MEXICAN; 

Then  near  the  capstan,  where  he  stood  absorb'd 
In  thought,  he  heaved  a  sigh  for  her  he  left 
Upon  the  shore,  there  lingering  yet  enthralled 
With  hope,  love,  fear. 

"  The  anchor's  hoisted," 
Loud    t^e    boatswain    cried ;    yet    Kafael    stood 

unmoved. 

"  Sefior,  the  anchor's  on  the  deck  and  lash'd." 
"All  right,  Juan." 

Then,  smiling  to  himself, 
He  said :  "  What  mawkish  mood  is  this  Fm  in, 
Now  making  me  seem  so  foolish  here 
On  deck  before  my  men  ?    I'll  shake  it  off. 
'Tis  a  woman's  weakness  thus  to  indulge 
In  hopeless  love ;  what !  I,  a  warlike  chief, 
Turn'd  god  of  doleful  sighs !    'Pshaw ! " 

"Juan," 

He  cried.    "  Aye,  aye,  sir ! " — "  Hoist  the  sails ; 
first  raise 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  95 

The   jib ;    then    cleat   the    halliards    taut,    and 

westward 
"Wear  the  bark  from  shore  away." 

Soon  the  wind 

Abeam  her  spreading  sails  fill'd  full  and  urged 
Her  swift  keel  onward  thro'  the  trackless  deep. 

So,  meantime,  Rafael  near  the  taffrail  stood 
Glancing  along  the  vessel's  foamy  wake, 
And  thought,  as  there  he  stood  and  gazed  upon 
His  native  headlands  dim  and  fast  receding 
From  his  view,  if  fate  would  condescend 
To  grant  the  full  enjoyment  of  his  wish : 
High  warlike  fame  achieve,  and  live  to  hear  it 
Thro'  the  wide  world  spread,  with  her  his  bride, 
Morena  fair,  with  ample  dower  enrich'd, 
Who  there  alone,  that  moment  stood  upon 
The  shore,  watching  in  the  haze  of  ocean  far 
The  bark  then  speeding  on  its  watery  way; 
Hoping  God  would  all  the  rude  winds  temper 


96  THE     MEXICAN". 

And  save  it  from  the  rocks  which  treacherous  lurk 
In  ambush  briny  'neath  the  wave ;  as  she 
Herself  resigned  to  fate,  her  lot  would  bear 
And  cherish  grief,  unheeding  every  thing 
Save  Kafael's  last  fond  word  "  adieu." 


CHAPTEE   IV. 

Now  one  there  was,  with  heart  of  base  deceit, 
Who  well  could  act  the  two-faced  part  of  friend 
And  foe,  for  fair  and  foul  were  both  alike 
To  him  who  would,  his  selfish  ends  to  gain, 


98  THE   MEXICAN; 

Assume  the  fairest  garb  of  friendliness ; 
Approach  you  with  a  most  complacent  smile; 
Affect  in  thy  welfare  an  interest  deep, 
To  sound  the  secrets  you  might  know 
Concerning  those  whose  confidence  you'd  gain'd; 
So  he,  the  trafficker  in  slander  base, 
Could  yilify  the  innocent  and  hold 
The  honest  and  true-hearted  up  to  shame. 

Therefore,  this  crafty  knave,  with  artifice 

And  subtle  ways  of  scheming  base,  did  try 

To  rope  into  Don  Pedro's  confidence ; 

For  he,  the  sneaking  skulk,  from  day  to  day, 

Went  nosing  round  the  old  man's  place  to  spot 

And  foist  pretended  wealth  and  honor'd  birth 

About  his  graceless  self.    So  there,  one  day, 

Believing  he  Don  Pedro's  good-will  gain'd, 

Essay'd  to  win  his  daughter  over 

To  his  side  by  mild  attentions  made  with 

Gifts,  and  words  of  prosy  tongue — aye,  practiced 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND,  99 

All  his  arts  insidious  so  that  he  could 
Bend  her  mind  to  think  of  him,  and  thereby 
O'er  her  weak,  confiding  nature  triumph. 

But  thro'  his  thin  disguise  Morena  saw. 
Her  quick  discernment  read  the  villain's  heart ; 
For  well  she  saw  his  hidden  craft  within ; 
Nor  could  he  with  his  wiles  her  reason  blind. 

Yet  with  his  mind  that  deeply  work'd  in  darkness, 
Often  he  with  diligence  would  watch  the  time 
And  place  where  she  would  slow  and  thoughtful 

walk, 

To  meet  as  if  by  chance  and  greet  her  with 
A  smile,  prelusive  to  the  specious  tale 
Of  wily  sophistry  so  sleek,  he  wish'd 
To  breathe  into  her  ear.    But  him  she'd  pass 
Disdainful  by,  nor  condescended  once 
To  fix  upon  his  low  and  sensual  phiz 
A  gaze.    These  slights  were  sharp  as  poniards; 


100  THE    MEXICAN; 

They  in  his  heart  the  jealous  passion  wrought. 

So  with  his  mind  by  dark  designs  replete, 

The  dastard  hit  upon  a  scheme  to  act 

The  shyster's  part,  apparently  of  friend, 

Sincere  of  course  in  thy  behalf,  yet  hints 

Of  secrets  in  the  past  forgotten  quite, 

Lest  if  they  were  exhumed,  they  might  disgrace 

A  good  man's  name.      'Twas  thus  the  schemer 

plan'd 
To  levy  UacJc-mail  from  Don  Pedro. 

So  with  the  Don  one  day  conversing,  he 
The  parasite  would  now  and  then  throw  out 
A  hint  of  what  he  thought  he  knew,  but  gave 
No  word  direct.    Now,  Don  Pedro  mark'd  the  drift 
In  which  the  fellow's  conversation  ran, 
And  so  made  bold  to  ask  him  what  he  meant ; 
But  then  the  coward,  quite  reluctant,  smooth'd 
His  hints  and  inuendoes  over  with 
Evasive  answers  soft. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  101 

"  Thy  talk  is  strange ! 

Thy  answers  stranger  yet !    Why  intimate  ? 
What  do  you  mean  ?    Speak  out.    What  foibles  am 
I  guilty  of  to  fear  or  tribute  give 
To  hush  a  tattler's  tongue  ?"  Don  Pedro  said. 

"  The  recompense  alone  Fll  name,  that  seals 

My  lip  in  secresy,  and  thou  as  brief 

With  thy  response  must  be,"  the  leech  replied. 

"  Then  out  with  it.    I'm  a  man  of  few  words," 
Don  Pedro  firmly  said.    "  Gome,  what  would  you 
Have  me  do  ?     Speak  out. 

"  'Tis  well,"  the  sneak  rejoin'd ; 
"  My  terms  are,  that,  unless  thy  daughter's  hand, 
With  ample  fortune  too,  be  mine,  forthwith 
Fll  now  myself,  post-haste,  away  and  tell 
With  my  own  tongue  thy  plans  and  league  of  foes 
Which  thou  defiantly  hath  raised  against 
His  august  majesty,  to  whom  I've  sworn 
Allegiance." 


102  THE   MEXICAN; 

As  if  thunderstruck,  awhile 
Don  Pedro  sat  amazed ;  then  anger'd,  he 
The  sycophant,  with  scowling  brow  survey 'd, 
And  hurl'd  at  him  his  wrath  for  hatching 
In  his  brain  foul  treason  'gainst  the  state,  then 

said: 
"  Begone,   base,   servile  wretch,  begone !      Thou 

traitor ! 

I  thy  warning  scorn ;  thy  calumny  resent : 
None  but  a  low-born,  cringing  whelp  would  raise 
With  shameful  hand  the  venal  sword  against 
The  land  that  gave  him  birth.    Hence,  vile  tool, 

and  do 
Thy  worst.    In  vice  thou'rt  harden'd.     Renew'd 

crimes 

Become  more  heinous  than  the  last.    New  crimes 
Come  after  those  that  meet  success ;  but  thine, 
From  this  time  forth,  shall  be  short-lived.    Away !" 

Then  black  despair  the  traitor's  bosom  rack'd ; 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAHD.  103 

He  saw  no  comfort  in  the  world,  for  hope 

Of  better  luck  had  fled  his  madden'd  brain. 

So  thoughts  of  crime  ran  thro'  his  mind.    "  What 

shall 

I  do,"  he'd  say,  "  to  ease  my  frenzied  soul  ? 
I  feel  the  brand  of  Cain  upon  my  brow. 
Shall  I  roam  the  world's  wide  scope  in  quest 
Of  peace,  or  here  remain  and  fill  my  mind 
With  phantoms  of  revenge  ?" 

But,  while  thinking 

O'er  his  chequer'd  fortune  lost  the  alcalde, 
With  retainers  came  and  bound  in  fetters  strong 
The  renegade. 

In  prison,  then,  he  took 
An  oath  his  days  should  there  be  few,  for  free 
He'd  be  or  forfeit  life. 

So  there  in  jail, 

Shut  from  day's  cheering  beam,  a  smile  ironic 
Oft  he  fix'd  upon  the  links  his  wrist 
Opprest ;  and  so,  by  stroke  of  stratagem, 


104  THE   MEXICAN; 

He  many  an  hour  would  rasp  his  chains, 
Until,  at  last,  he  burst  his  yoke  and  gain'd 
At  dead  of  night  his  freedom  sweet. 

Then  quickly  on  thro'  many  a  tortuous  path 
He  sped  o'er  hill  and  forest  thro',  when  night, 
With  dusky  robe,  a  moonless  sky  enwrapt, 
Until  one  day  he  reach'd  imperial  ground. 

"Who,  without  speech  or  call,  comes  here?"  the 

guard 
Exclaimed.     "No  further  move.     Thy  mission? 

Speak." 

"  The  news  I  bear  is  not  for  thee ;  none  save 
His  majesty  shall  know.    With  him  I  wish 
To  speak ;  therefore,  under  guard  escort, 
Me  to  the  regal  hall  where  he  doth  sit." 

"As  thy  anxious  look  is  voucher  to  thy  tongue, 


105 

The  privilege  is  thine;  so  come  this  way; 
I  will  direct,"  the  sentinel  replied. 

Soon  face  to  face  the  cringing  traitor  stood 
Before  the  Archduke  Maximilian,  who, 
In  all  his  august  pride  erect  there  sat, 
By  trophies  of  war  and  art  surrounded ; 
And  him  in  fair  pretense  of  comely  guise, 
The  renegade  address'd : 

"  Peace  to  thy  reign, 

Most  worthy  prince.    I'm  from  Sonora  come — 
A  loyal  subject  of  thy  majesty — 
To  warn  thee  'gainst  a  lawless  crowd  of  foes 
Who  there  with  swelling  clamor  make  the  hills 
And  valleys  ring  with  vile  abuse  and  threats 
Against  thy  life  and  throne." 

So,  hearing  this, 

Max  in  derision  smiled,  and  said :  "  Ugh !  '  bribes ! 
Threats  !  torments  !  tyrants !     On  bloody  trophies 

gluts ! 
We'll  load  him  down  with  chains ;  no  mercy  have ! — 


106  THE   MEXICAN; 

His  soul's  as  black  as  hell ! — A  prodigal 

Of  guilt ! — His  bosom's  harden'd ;  his  breast  hath 

Never  heaved  a  sigh ! — His  hour  hath  come ! — We'll 

Crush  his  haughty  soul ! — With  his  tott'ring  throne, 

We'll  raze  his  palace  on  his  sinful  head !' — 

All  such  invectives  vile  are  quite  familiar 

To  my  ear ;  yet  they  nothing  in  me  raise 

But  damn'd  contempt ;  they're  but  a  waste  of  breath ; 

The  drunken  spleen  of  scribbling  pharisees." 

"They  now,"  the  traitor  said,  "in  legions  swarm 
The  hills  and  coast,  all  arm'd  and  resolute 
For  war ;  furious  all  for  blood  and  plunder, 
By  Don  Pedro's  boastful  breath  incited, 
For  to  vindicate,  they  say,  their  laws." 

"Then 

We  must  stop  the  treason  of  Don  Pedro," 
Maximilian  answered.    "  Are  you  skill'd  in  war  ?" 
Max  said. 

"I  am  in  frontier  warfare  used; 
I  shall  a  prudent,  watchful  leader  prove," 


OB,     LOVE     AKD     LAKD.  10? 

The  renegade  replied ;  for  then  he  felt 
No  other  joy  so  great  as  waging  war 
Against  his  kith  and  kin,  with  whom  he'd  have 
No  mercy  in  his  train. 

Then,  soon  amid 

A  group  of  native  hirelings,  Maximilian  sat ; 
They,  for  state  preferment  got,  did  serve  him  well ; 
But  two  assembled  high  above  the  rest, 
Ministers  of  war  and  state,  glittering  in 
Their  own  esteem  and  worth,  whose  minds  matured 
By  years,  did  teem  with  wisdom  and  affairs 
Of  state,  soon  caught  in  Maximilian's  eye 
Bad  tidings  half  reveal'd.    So  they,  to  glean 
The  thoughts  which  then  the  monarch's  mind 

perplex'd, 

Approach'd,  obsequiously,  their  reigning  prince, 
Who  bow'd  responsively,  and  thus  proclaim'd 
His  views: 

"  My  friends,  a  messenger  hath  come 
With  news  that  nearly  all  my  subjects  in 


108  THE   MEXICAN; 

Sonora  now  are  up  in  arms,  equip'd 
And  well  commanded  by  a  chief  who  doth 
Deny  my  kingly  power,  nor  homage  pay 
My  crown.    'Tis  the  disloyal  work,  he  says, 
Of  an  old  man,  Don  Pedro,  whom  my  bribes 
And  promises,  disdaining  yet,  still  find 
No  entrance  to  his  heart,  but  makes 
"With  brandish'd  arms  a  martial  show  against 
My  right  to  rule  Sonora's  hills  so  green. 
What's  best  to  do  ?" 

"  Be  cautious  whom  you  trust," 
One  said.  "  These  realms  are,  your  highness,  filFd 
With  spies.  The  weapons  which  thy  grace 

wouldst  lend 

To  quell  the  rash  insurgents  might  be  used 
Against  thy  crown,  for  treachery  lurketh  oft 
In  breasts  obtrusive  here." 

"  Besides,  who  knows," 
Another  said,  "  but  he  may  be  a  spy 
Sent  here  to  sound  the  court  ?  Therefore,  your  grace. 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  109 

Let  weightier  thoughts  thy  mind  engage ;  but  yet, 
Where  is  the  man,  your  majesty,  who  deems 
Himself  so  brave  ?" 

"  He  yonder  sits,"  Max  said. 
Then  with  a  searching  eye  the  speaker  read 
The  traitor  through,  and  thus  to  Max  resumed : 

"  In  him  we  can't  confide ;  preferment  give 
To  noble  men.    He's  some  dull  fool  who  would 
Obtrude  his  worthless  talents  on  the  great — 
A  lout,  perchance,  just  fit  to  drive  stray  cattle 
To  a  pound.    Yet  stay ;  if  his  brow  that  frowns 
Austere,  does  not  misgive,  a  recreant  knave 
He  is,  to  vice  and  guilt  inured,  and  ripe, 
E'en  now,  for  any  mode  of  warfare  bold 
A.mong  Sonora's  hills ;  for  no  remorse 
Subdues  such  men.    Their  guilt  accumulates ; 
No  fear  can  swerve  when  darkness  lowers  to  urge 
Them  on  their  wayward  course;  therefore,  he'll 
serve 


110  THE     MEXICAN. 

Our  purpose  well.    So  bid  him  muster  force 
To  wage  guerrilla  warfare  on  our  foes." 

Then  Maximilian  said :  "  Thou  art,  my  friend, 
Commissioned.    Go  and  raise  a  squad  of  men ; 
Speed  and  organize  to  quell,  as  best  you  can, 
The  traitor  foe  in  arms  against  my  crown." 

At  this,  the  rebel  bow'd  his  thankful  head, 

And  said :  "  I  shall,  your  majesty,  obey 

The  mandate  of  thy  will."    Then,  turning,  took 

His  way  at  evening  when  the  sun  went  down 

In  purple  splendor;  often  muttering 

To  himself:  "  Now  storms  of  wrath  impend  o'er 

Thee  and  thine,  Don  Pedro.    A  thousand  bolts 

Shall  fall  and  shake  with  dread  thy  haughty  soul, 

And  hers  also,  whom  I  with  confidence 

Hath  oft  addrest.    So  time  roll  on ;  speed  me 

To  my  victim.    Anger  steels  my  courage 

To  revenge." 


CHAPTEE   V. 

WHE:N"  his  own  native  land  disappear'd  from 
His  view,  aloft  brave  Eafael  turn'd  his  eye 
And  gayly  there  from  mizzen  peak  beheld 
High  waving  in  the  breeze  of  ocean  fair 
The  flag  'neath  which  he  hoped  to  live  or  falL 


112  THE   MEXICAN; 

So  hourly,  with  an  eye  that  seldom  slept, 
He'd  watch  the  horizon  to  catch  each  sail, 
Which  rose  and  plough'd  with  cleaving  keel  the  sea; 
For  unremittingly  he  long'd  both  night 
And  day  to  meet  the  foes  of  freedom  fair. 

At  length,  far  looming  on  the  wave,  his  eye 
Descried  a  cruiser  boldly  bearing  down 
Toward  his  bark.    With  transport  high,  this  fired 
Bold  Kafael's  heart ;  for  he  thro'  telescope 
Observed  that  from  the  stranger's  deck,  aloft 
The  Frenchman's  tri-barr'd  ensign  ran. 

So,  then, 

Eaf.  beckon'd  to  his  crew,  and  said :  "  I  have 
At  last  descried  the  often  sought-for  prey, 
For  yonder  on  the  misty  li^e,  hull  down, 
Ye  can,  with  naked  eye,  discern  a  ship 
This  way  fast  the  ocean  tide-wave  cleaving, 
Flying  aloft  the  flag  of  haughty  France." 

This  news  in  all  the  crew  fierce  courage  roused ; 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  113 

Their  voices  rose  in  exultations  loud 

And  long:  "  We  shall  oppose,  attack,  tear  down 

That  haughty  symbol  of  the  usurper." 

"Yes,"  said  Kafael,   "if  they  dare  to  fight,  we 

shall 

Oppose  them  till  the  waves  on  which  they  glide 
Are  purpled  with  their  blood ;  but  in  our  hearts 
Let  justice  be.    No  man  with  soul  humane 
Will  draw  his  sword  upon  a  foe  when  down ; 
He  lets  the  wounded  live.    Therefore,  tho'  theirs 
Be  blood,  oppression,  sin,  still  let  our  motto 
Be,  "  Sweet  Justice,  God,  and  Liberty!" 
Freedom  hath  a  dwelling-place  in  heaven ; 
There  our  king  is  God,  and  Him  we  all  adore. 
Those  who  fight  and  fall  in  freedom's  cause  He 

crowns 
With  martyrdom. 

"  So  now,  my  heroes,  all 
For  valor  justly  famed,  be  resolute, 
Be  brave ;  once  more  thy  vaunted  skill  exert, 


114  THE    MEXICAN; 

And  gain  in  contest  fierce  new  wreathlets 

For  thy  brows.    Let  each  man  to  his  post  repair." 

They  done  as  bid,  for  every  one  approved 

The  captain's  words,  and  pledged   their  solemn 

oaths 

The  Gallic  foe  to  fight  or  meet  his  doom ; 
For  on  that  deck  there  were  no  shuddering  hearts. 

So,  o'er  the  foaming  deep  the  Frenchman  surged, 
But 'not  obedient  to  bold  Eafael's  signal 
Of  surrender,  as  the  Gaul  with  bold  heart  swore 
He  ne'er  would  yield  to  prowling  pirate  bold, 
Nor  budge  an  inch  until  compell'd  by  force 
Of  arms  and  men  more  valiant  than  his  own 
To  haul  his  sovereign's  standard  down,  and  said 
Unto  his  men,  that  he  who  flinch'd  would  be 
His  foe,  for  naught  but  valor  should  decide 
The  contest. 

Then  soon  upon  the  turgid  wave 
The  fight  began.    A  flash,  like  lightning  swift, 


OK,     LOVE     AKD     LAKD.  115 

Volumes  of  smoke  from  roaring  cannon  fierce, 
Missiles  of  death  from  ship  to  ship  were  hurlM 
Across  the  troubled  waters  dancing  then 
In  all  their  frantic  glee  of  splash  and  dirge 
To  the  mad  antics  of  the  blood-red  fiends 
Upon  the  waves. 

While  there,  all  courage  firm, 
Bold  Eafael,  like  a  valiant  god  of  war, 
Amid  his  crew,  in  all  his  valor  shone. 
From  deck  he  fearless  watch'd  the  foremost  li^es 
Of  the  contest ;  and  mingled  with  the  war 
Of  thund'ring  volleys  whizzing  full  hours  four 
From  ship  to  ship,  his  voice  of  dire  command. 

So,  too,  the  Frenchman,  strong  and  stubborn,  well 
The  brunt  of  battle  bore,  unswerving  yet, 
With  vengeance  in  his  bosom  burning,  till 
His  ship  in  flames  from  Eafael's  shot  was  doom'd ; 
For  then  a  broadside  most  tremendous  smote 
His  craft  and  made  him  haul  his  ensign  down, 
And  stay  the  scourge  of  blood. 


116  THE   MEXICAN; 

Then  loud  hurrahs 

From  Rafael's  men  were  heard.    Soon  on  the  deck, 
Among  the  vanquished  dead,  the  victors  trod. 

Ah,  what  a  sight  for  eyes  unused  to  tears,  i 

For  hearts  an  hour  before  no  mercy  moved ! 
There  pity  from  soft  feelings  sweet  arose, 
And  mingled  with  the  dying  groan  of  foes 
"Who  went,  ere  long,  down  with  the  shattered  hulk 
Untb  their  watery  graves  below. 

'Twas  thus  brave 

Rafael  humbled  Gallia's  haughty  crest. 
The  triumph  fill'd  his  soul  with  pride.    It  was 
His  proudest  hour  of  life. 

So  when  the  ship 

Of  France  had  sunk  into  the  mighty  deep, 
Our  Eafael  bade  his  vessel's  decks  be  clear'd 
Of  tackling  broken,  splints  of  spars,  and  all 
The  foul  debris  of  naval  war,  to  tempt 
With  dauntless  soul  once  more  the  sea,  and  still 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  117 

Maintain  the  honor  of  his  suffering  land. 
Then  soon  the  cruiser  felt  the  breeze  and  flew 
Across  the  sea.    But  mark  the  sun ;  how  changed 
The  glare !  it  glimmer'd  with  malignant  light, 
As  down  behind  a  lurid  cloud  it  sank, — 
Dread  omen  of  the  storm-king's  wrath ! 

"  There's 

Trouble  in  that  sky,"  the  boatswain  said ; 
"  Aye,  the  sky  in  frightful  aspect  on  us  frowns." 
"  It's  awful  black,"  Eafael  replied.    "  Down  sail, 
And  furl  all  fast !" 

Commotion  then  ensued : 
The  billows  from  their  watery  bed  awoke ; 
At  twilight  hour  the  howling  wind  scream'd  forth 
Thro'  tackle  and  thro'  shroud ;  while  headlong  o'er 
Huge  foamy  steeps  of  brine,  the  cruiser  plunged 
And  roll'd  from  side  to  side,  as  if  a  cork 
She  was  by  tempest  tost  upon  the  wave. 
Yet  on  before  the  blast  she  sped.    Her  masts, 
Like  weak  reeds  in  a  light  breeze  bent ;  but  soon 


118  THE   MEXICAN; 

The  strain  and  torture  of  the  simoon's  force, 
Her  mizzen  sprung ;  and  headlong  crashing  down, 
Like  thunder  from  a  cloud,  on  deck  it  fell. 

"Now  all  seem'd  hopeless,  all  seem'd  lost.    A  cry 
From  some  despairing  soul  on  board  was  heard 
Amid  the  crash,  that  death  was  on  the  billow. 
"Breakers !  rocks!  I  see  their  jutting  forms  ahead," 
The  watch  with  terror  shriek'd. 

All  shook  with  fright, 

All,  thro'  the  dreary,  darksome  yoid,  observed 
The  black'ning  rocks,  so  grim  and  hideous,  stand 
Like  spectral  ghosts  along  the  shore,  where  loud 
And  long  the  wild,  tumultuous  surges  broke. 
All  saw  the  bark  was  doom'd,  that  soon   she'd 

strike 

The  flinty  headland,  dark  and  grim ; 
For  then,  unmindful  of  her  guiding  helm, 
She  the  fated  craft  with  rapid  speed  did 
Wildly  from  her  wonted  course  drift.    A  crash 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  119 

Was  heard — she  struck — her  knotted  knees  were 

rent 

From  stem  to  stern ;  the  waves  across  her  decks 
A  clean  breach  made.    She  split  in  two,  and  all 
Down  in  the  ocean  sank,  save  one  poor  soul, 
Whose  voice  amid  the  deaf  ning  blast  was  heard: 
"  I'm  lost,  Fm  lost !     Oh,  help  me  heaven,  ere 
I  sink  down  in  the  ocean's  dark  abyss !" 

Yet  still  the  drowning  man  himself  did  brace 
With  vigor  firm  and  stem'd  with  straining  breast 
A  ridging  swell  that  surged  against  a  rock 
On  him  its  blackest  pinion  frowning. 
Thrice  three  times  he  gave  a  lurch  to  clutch  it, 
But  thrice  three  times  the  effort  fail'd.    Him  back 
The  curving  billows  drew.     Oh,  what  moments 
Fraught  with  fear !      Hope  fled  his  heart !  his 

breathing 
Soon  came  quick  and  short!      He  thought  his 

hour 


120  THE   MEXICAK; 

Had  come  !   his  life  from  earth  would  be  soon 

gone! 
Eor  then  a  drowning  man  he  was,  'tween 

Life  and  death  upon  the  briny  balance  sway'd. 

• 

But  fear  of  sinking  to  a  watery  graye 
Doth  strength  impart  to  drowning  men  ;  and  so, 
On  the  engulphing  flood  once  more  he  stem'd 
With  panting  breast  the  waves,  and  caught  at 

last, 

In  his  firm  grip,  a  shelving  ledge  of  rock 
Which  Eafael,  wet  and  chill'd  by  the  cold  sea, 
In  all  his  sternest  vigor  scaled. 

Then  soon 

A  wave-worn  nook  he  reach'd,  and  there  inlodged, 
Benumb'd  and  famish'd  thro'  that  dreary  night 
Of  gloom,  of  storm,  and  rain,  an  eye  intent 
He  kept  upon  the  sea  and  sky,  to  catch 
The   glimmering   streak   of   dawn   rise   on   the 

deep. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  121 

So  there,  forlorn  and  sad,  like  one  of  life 
Grown  tired  when  all  looks  dark  and  cheerless  in 
The  world,  upon  the  rocky  brink  he  sat, 
Hoping  the  roaring  wind  would  tear  away 
The  frowning  front  of  clouds  which  palPd  the 

night 

In  dismal  gloom,  to  let  the  stars  reflect 
Their  silvery  rays  upon  that  awful  scene. 

"  Oh !  I  deplore  this  stroke  of  fate,  the  loss 

Of  all  my  well-earn'd  trophies  too.    Alas  1 

I  fear  I  am  alone  upon  this  rock  ; 

For  'neath  this  arch  no  echoes  sad  I  hear 

Of  human  voice  distressed.    Upon  the  blast, 

From  drowning  throats  no  cries  despairing  come. 

If  any  rise,  unheard  they  float  upon 

The  deaf  ning  wind,  and  hush'd  are  they  to  me." 

Then  Compassion,  supreme  of  soul,  invok'd 
The  tear  to  gleam  in  Rafael's  eye ;  for  then 


122 


THE    MEXICAN; 


He  fearM  his  men  had  sunk  to  ocean's  depths ; 
But  hoping  that  the  morning  would  reveal 
A  brighter  promise  of  their  secret  fates, 
For  God,  he  felt,  would  smooth  the  troubled  sea 
To  rest. 

But  when  the  dawn  its  gray  advancement 
Spread  across  the  gloomy  wilderness 


OK,     LOVE     AHD     LAKD.  123 

Of  water  wide,  no  crew,  nor  fragment  of  the  hull, 
Near  where  he  stood,  marking  with  a  pensive  eye 
The  fatal  spot ;  nor  yet  no  sign  of  raft, 
Nor  castaway  lash'd  to  a  spar  he  traced 
Thro'  weary  miles  along  the  broad  highway 
Of  ocean  vast. 

"  Poor  shipwreck'd  souls !"  he  sigh'd. 
"  Lost,  forever  lost !  all  drown'd  are  in  the  sea ! 
Away  from  thy  own  native  land,  and  those 
Loved  ones  who  live  on,  hoping  yet  to  see 
Thee  back  again  !    Ah !  little  do  they  know 
Thy  final  task  on  earth's  complete !  thy  hands 
Prom  mortal  strife  are  freed  !  thy  souls  have  soarM 
Above  to  far  more  happy  shores !    But  oh, 
What  anguish  will  their  hearts  afflict,  when  they 
The  dreadful  news  do  learn  that  thou  art  drown'd ! 
It  may  in  them  fair  nature's  course  convulse ; 
To  wrap  their  corpse  also  in  the  cold  earth, 
From  whence  their  souls,  being  cleansed  from 
earthly  sin, 


124  THE   MEXICAN; 

Would  rise  to    God's  bright  throne,  and  there 

with  thee 
In  bliss  divine,  enjoy  eternity. 

"  Ah,  comrades  brave,  alas !  I  can  not  help 
Think    of    thy    fate.       Oh,    let    thy    conscious 

spirits 

Blame  not  me.    'Twas  not  my  fault,  I  vow ; 
It  was  the  victor  Death  that  trod  the  gale, 
And    bade    the    winds    and    treach'rous    waves 

conspire 

To  drive  my  bark  against  these  rocks ;  yet  there, 
Down  in  thy  ocean  graves  in  peace  repose  : 
From  earthly  toil  secure,  sweet  be  thy  sleep !" 

Then  Kafael,  comfortless  yet,  slowly  quit 
The  fatal  rock  on  which  he'd  lonely  sat, 
To  search  the  dreary  isle  for  food  and  drink 
His  famish'd  stomach  craved. 

So,  mournfully 
There  along  a  stretch  of  beach  unbroken  quite 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  125 

With  ridge  of  rock,  with  inlets,  bays,  Eafael 
Wander'd  sadly,  sighing  now  and  then 
An  answering  cadence  from  his  doleful  heart 
Unto  the  solemn  requiem  of  the  wave, 
Borne  by  the  breeze  of  the  sea  to  his  feet. 

Then  there  he  lingered  on  the  shore  and  scan'd 
With  straining  eye  the  sea  afar;  and  while 
He  gazed  upon  the  flood,  a  yearning  fond 
Crept  in  his  heart  of  home  and  friends  beloved 
Who  dwelt  across  unnumber'd  leagues  of  brine, 
Upon  an  eastern  shore  far  out  beyond 
The  roseate  beam  of  morn  then  quivering 
On  the  deep  as  far  as  the  eye  could  see. 

• 

"  Ah,  yes !"  he  sigh'd,  "  my  vivid  fancy  paints, 
In  visionary  tints,  as  pure  and  clear 
As  doth  the  sun  yon  shadowy  mist 
Of  morn  with  mellow  light,  thy  image  still ; 
For  here  alone  upon  a  barren  shore, 


126  THE   MEXICAN; 

An  outcast  made  by  hapless  fate  I  stand 
Entranced  in  dalliance  with  an  ideal 
That  makes  its  charming  way  Tip  from  my  heart, 
And  bids  my  duteous  tongue  pronounce  thy  name, 
— Morena  dear. 

"  Ah,  love !  yet  tho'  I'm  gazing 
O'er  an  ocean  wide  which  keeps  me  from  thee 
Many  miles  apart,  beholding  nothing 
But  a  sky  of  golden  hues,  and  a  sea 
Of  greenish  shade,  my  fond  eyes  turn  to  thee ; 
In  rapt  imagination  now  I  kiss 
Thy  vision  with  my  breath  all  charged  with  sighs 
Which  at  thy  bidding  from  my  inmost  soul 
Ooze  forth. 

"Ah,  yes,  sweet  love !  thy  image  still 
Is  scepter'd  in  my  mind,  where  thou  doth  like 
An  angel  come  and  waft  about  on  wings 
As  lightsome  as  the  silvery  mist  diffused 
On  earth  at  night  from  starry  zones. 


OB,     LOVE    AND    LAND.  1 

"0  tllOU 

Bright  sun,  draw  from  the  eyes  of  her  who  far 
Away  from  this  lone  isle  doth  dwell  in  all 
Her  maiden  prime  so  fair,  reflection's  power, 
And  dart,  as  thou  the  morning  light  in  from 
The  ruddy  east,  their  glances  down  on  me  ! 

"  Fm  sure  the  glim'ring  softness  in  the  eyes 
Of  her  who  oft  beneath  the  mango's  shade 
With  me  hath  sat,  and  loiter'd  in  the  grots 
And  bowery  groves  of  Montezuma's  land, 
Till  evening  dews  had  spangled  her  dark  hair, 
My  darkened  soul  would  lighten  now  and  tell 
Me  with  their  soft  electric  flashes  fond,  to  live 
On,  hoping  still  to  see  my  love's  first  choice, 
My  dearest  friend,  my  soul's  companion. 

"  But  now,  perchance,  in  faded  charms,  Morena 
Doth  on  yon  far  continent  despairingly 
A  pensive  specter  lonely  stand  upon 


128  THE   MEXICAN; 

A  cliff  down  by  the  sea,  thro'  cloud,  thro'  rain, 
Thro'  sun  and  storm,  from  rosy  light  of  morn 
Till  twilight  hour,  here  breathing  her  sighs  from 
Cliff  to  crag,  from  hill  to  hill,  awaiting 
My    return,    and    chiding,    tho'  with    temp'rate 

breath, 

All  adverse  winds  for  keeping  me  so  long 
Away  from  her  sweet  self. 

"  Or  yet,  in  groves 
Where    warbling    song-birds    blithe    their    notes 

do  trill 

Kesponsive  cadence  to  the  liquid  tones 
Of  babbling  rills,  she  wanders  on,  with  harp 
In  hand,  or  lingers  'neath  a  canopy 
Of  vine  in  bloom,  all  in  the  dewy  light 
Of  eve,  attuning  sadly  mournful  strains 
That  rise  in  echoes  plaintive  'mong  the  leaves. 

"  But  stay ;  I  could  go  on  romancing  thus 
From  now  thro'  winter  drear  until  the  spring 
Diffusive  comes  enrobed  in  gayest  green ; 


OK,     LOVE     AND    LAND.  129 

But  now,  upon  this  barren  isle,  remote 

Prom    home,    from    friends,   what    will    become 

of  me, 

Fast  doom'd  to  hunger's  slow  decay  ?    Alas ! 
No  hope,  sweet  wine  of  life !  I  feel  to  give 
My  poor  despairing  bosom  warmth,  nor  food, 
I  fear,  to  stay  life's  swift  receding  tide !" 

Then  Eafael  landward  turn'd  his  face,  and  took 
With  feeble  step  a  rugged  path  to  seek 
Some  spot,  some  habitation  find  where  he 
Might  get  the  needful  food  and  drink  to  stay, 
Ere  he  a  famish'd  wretch  should  sink  to  death 
In  manhood's  prime,  the  pangs  of  hunger  which 
Then  at  his  vitals  gnaw'd. 

So,  on  he  roam'd 

Six  tedious  hours  by  mortal  eye  unseen; 
Yet  hopeless  still  of  succor,  Eafael  search'd 
The  land :  all  was  a  scene  of  woe — a  wild, 
Where  mortal  man  ne'er  seem'd  to  dwell. 


130  THE   MEXICAK; 

Yet  on 

Thro'  wild  romantic  cliffs  and  paths  aslant 
Huge  gorges  steep,  where  horrid  sounds  below 
Gave  token  of  the  lurid  haunt  of  owls 
And  lair  of  sprites,  he  held  his  tortuous  way, 
Until  the  sun  declined  and  purpled  all 
The  landscape  round.    Then  twilight  came,  and 

night 

With  dusky  mantle  wrapt  the  scene  in  gloom ; 
Still  Rafael's  wishes  yet  were  unfulfilled. 

So  Rafael,  weary,  feeble,  hopeless,  sat 
Him  down  to  count  with  frantic  mind  the  fate 
Of  one  yet  unprepared  to  bid  the  world 
Adieu ;  and  brooding  on  the  sullen  moan 
Of  the  night-wind,  exclaim'd : 

"How  sad  I  feel! 

My  buoyant  heart's  gone  down.     All  hope  is  lost ; 
For  here  no  herds  do  browse,  nor  mortal  kind 
Abide.     0  Heaven !  hear  my  prayer,  and  deign 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAHD. 


131 


Thy  aid !    Oh,  send  this  wretched  I  unknown 
From  this  uncultured  isle  to  scenes  less  wild, 
If  needs  to  my  own  native  home,  where  I 
Was  blest  with  health  and  ease,  ere  war  with 

sword 
Unsheathed,  brought  death  and  desolation  there 


132  THE   MEXICAN; 

Where  Independence  dwelt  and  Liberty 
Was  onrs ! 

"  Ah !  well  will  the  usurper  smile 
When    he    doth    learn    my    life's    proud    aims 

are  lost, 

And  doom'd  am  I  to  wear  no  laurel  wreath 
Of  fame  so  proudly  earn'd  where  glory  leads 
The  patriot  to  maintain  his  peaceful  state, 
And  freedom  of  the  hills,  the  fields,  and  groves 
He  loves :  all  these  have  I  resign'd  to  be, 
Alas !  by  cruel  fate  condemned  to  pine 
Upon  this  dreary  isle  'mid  barren  wastes, 
Kegretting  all  things  else  save  the  pure  love 
That  hath  become  my  bosom's  pain ! 

"If,  then, 

'Tis  fate's  decree  that  I  should  here  submissive 
Die  a  withered  wretch,  oh !  let  my  soul 
In  calmness  now  depart.    The  time  is  fix'd 
For  mortals  to  respire  the  breath  of  heaven. 
Extinction's  got  to  come  at  last;  for  death 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  133 

Among  the  living  stealthy  stalks  around, 

And  conquers  all." 

Just  then,  in  wonderment 

He  starts !    His  eye,  athwart  the  darksome  shade 
Discern'd  a  mystic  form  in  white  enrobed, 
Ascending  from  a  gloomy  grot  below. 
Like  a  being  meek,  of  some  superior  mold, 
On  it  slowly  came  and  stood  before 
His  dreamy  eyes. 

Awe-struck,  he  stood  amazed ! 
Conflicting  thoughts  then  fill'd  his  mind, — hope, 
Wonder,  fear. 

He  then,  upon  his  knees, 
With  hands  upon  his  bosom  cross'd,  exclaim'd : 
"What  phantom's  this,  as  bright  as  looks   the 

moon, 

Or  like  a  radiant  star  in  heaven  gleaming 
On  the  dusky  landscape  round  ?    What  succor 
Bringeth  thou,  fair  image  from  all  ruling  power  ? 
What  miracle  to  work  of  heaven,  oh,  say ! 
E'en  now,  when  elfin  sprites  the  broad  day  shun, 


134  THE    MEXICAN; 

But  who  at  night  come  forth  from  mazy  depths 

Of  earth  to  stain  their  hands  in  crime,  and  like 

The  rav'nous  vulture,  gorge  themselves  with  blood 

Of  man !    Oh,  speak !  hath  Providence  thus  deign'd 

To  send  an  angel  from  above  to  save 

Me  from  impending  fate,  and  gladden  with 

Thy  friendship  my  sad  heart  ?    Yea,  surely  thou 

Hast  on  a  mission  merciful  come  down 

From  some  abode  of  light  with  blessings  meant 

To  cheer  my  too  despairing  heart ! 

"  Now  speak, 

0  fabulous  being !  speak  the  tidings 
"Which  thy  bosom  doth  conceal !    Art  thou  here 
From  fairy  bowers  or  ocean's  coral  caves  ? 
What  is  thy  wish  ?    Oh,  answer  me !  speak  out, 
And  let  me  know  who  hath  in  mercy  heard 
My  murmuring  heart  and  quickly  hither  come 
My  sufferings  to  assuage  !" 

"  Weary  of  soul ! 
0  withering  fragment  of  majestic  man, 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  135 

But  yet  most  perfect  of  creation's  sons, 
Half  dead  upon  the  cold,  damp  ground,  the  cries 
Which  thou  with  bosom  torn  by  wild  despair 
Hath   plaintive   from   thy  doleful  voice    poured 

forth 

Upon  the  moaning  wind  of  night,  hath  here 
Me  drawn  to  thee  from  my  abode  to  soothe 
With  cheering  breath  the  anguish  of  thy  soul, 
And  in  thy  heart  the  fire  of  love  enkindle ! 

"  Therefore,  oh,  cease  to  mourn !    Fear  not ;  I  am 

No  spirit  of  enchanted  bowers  come  here, 

My  friend,  to  haunt  thee  in  the  dead  of  night ; 

Nor  yet  am  I  by  death  commission'd 

To  abridge  thy  breathing  span  of  life. 

Thy  friend  I  am,  and  more  than  friend  will  be 

If  thou'lt  unite  a  constant  heart  with  mine. 

So  now  arise ;  come  with  me  to  my  home, — 

A  fair  estate,  befitting  one  of  rank, 

Built  on  a  wild  domain,  where  thou  canst  eat, 


136  THE    MEXICAN; 

Drink,  sleep,  and  surfeit  on  rich  rural  sweets : 
On  flesh  of  deer,  that  browse  in  herds  upon 
My  fertile  plains  and  fatten  on  the  grass 
Of  autumn ;  or  yet  thy  appetite  appease 
On  fishes  scaly,  glittering  silvery  white, 
With  speckles  tinted  golden,  'neath  the  whirls 
Of  gurgling  brooks  that  leap  from  rock  to  rock 
In  crystal  cascades  bright.    Besides  all  this, 
0  stranger,  there  thou'lt  find  a  pleasure  for 
Each  sense :  thy  ear,  the  tuneful  note  of  birds ; 
Thy  smell,  a  thousand  blooming  flowers ;  thy  taste, 
Ambrosial  juice  by  solar  heat  distill'd ; 
Thy  eyes,  with  faces  strange  and  picturesque ; 
Thy  lips,  with  kisses  tender,  sweet,  and  pure 
From  holy  love  that  links  two  hearts  and  fills 
The  bosom  full  of  sighs ! 

"  Come,  now,  stranger, 

Come  and  hasten  with  me  from  these  solitudes. 
I'll  guide  thee  to  my  rustic  mansion,  where 
With  me  in  studious  silence  thou  canst  dwell." 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  137 

"  Thy  sympathy,  fair  one,  my  heart  hath  touch'd : 
Thy  words  of  love  new  hope  that  I  shall  live ; 
But  yet  if  thou  from  necromantic  bowers 
Hath  come  with  sophistry  to  play  me  false, 
Then  I  prefer  to  languish  here  and  perish 
In  these  solitudes." 

"  Doubt  me  not,"  she  said. 
"  If  I  with  motives  false  hath  hither  come 
To  lure  thy  wand'ring  steps  and  fancy  cheat, 
May  death  e'en  now  curtail  my  breathing  hours  P 

"  Enough,"  Rafael  replied.    "  Til  go." 

"Then  lay 

Thy  hand  in  mine,"  she  said,  "  that  I  may  raise 
Thee  off  the  ground." — "'Tis  well;  advance,"  he 
said. 


CHAPTEK   VI. 

HATH  love  despairing  changed  Morena  so, 
Since  Rafael  crowded  sail  upon  his  bark, 
And  in  the  misty  gray  of  ocean,  onward 
Like  a  sea-bird  flew,  far  out  on  the  dim  waste 


140  THE   MEXICAN; 

Of  brine,  beyond  her  tearful  sight  ?    Why  hath 
Absence  touch'd  her  tender  heart  so  hopeful, 
Since  daring  Kafael  brave,  went  forth  and  left 
The  Spanish  maiden  fair  in  beauty's  pride  ? 

Alas  I  for  her,  before  that  day  had  drawn 
Its  light  from  land  and  sea,  pale  grief  began 
Its  blighting  with  her  oliye  cheek  so  fair ! 

Like  frost  from  icy  poles  blown  south  to  nip 

The  tender  buds  that  from  their  vernal  cells 

Peep  forth  to  kiss  the  early  flush  of  spring, 

So  fear,  as  biting,  came  into  her  breast1 

So  warm,  and  chill'd  her  young  heart's  glowing  fire : 

For  oft  she  wonder'd  why  her  lover  tarried 

Listlessly,  unsated  with  the  freedom 

Of  the  seas ;  or  yet,  perchance,  she  thought 

His  bark  against  a  rock  had  split  in  two, 

And  he,  poor  soul,  had  with  it  sunk  upon 

The  ocean  floor,  near  where  vile  lobsters  creep. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  141 

The  soft  and  silent  light  that  sadly  shone 

In  her  dim  eye,  too  plainly  told  the  tale 

Of  racking  thoughts  and  dreams  of  wild  unrest, 

Both    night    and    day,    her    heart    and    mind 

distracting. 

"  Ah,  here,  alas !"  she  sigh'd,  "  I  count  the  hours, 
The  days,  the  weeks ;  but  yet  to  me  the  hours 
Seem  days,  the  days  seem  weeks,  and  weeks  seem 

months : 

For  hourly,  daily,  my  fond  thoughts  revert 
To  time  long  past,  when  Eafael,  'neath  this  porch, 
Would  sit  from  noon  to  set  of  sun,  from  rise 
To  wane  of  moon,  with  me  his  dear,  and  breathe 
Out  blissful  tones  of  love  most  passionate, 
Most  true ! 

"  But  now,  alas !  It  seems  that  all 
Those  joys  were  but  illusive,  and  as  fleeting 
As  the  moments  bright  that  fly  like  clouds 
In  moonshine  from  a  lover's  sight  away 
Thro'  space,  and  casting  down  upon  the  earth, 


142  THE    MEXICAN; 

As  onward  they  in  curling  freedom  roll, 
Shadows  dismal  in  their  trail,  remindful 
Of  what  darksome  scenes  thro'  life  may  come. 

"  Ah,  Eafael !  once  thou  wert  the  sun  that  shed 
A  mantling  ray  of  friendly  warmth  and  love 
On  my  poor  heart,  so  broke  and  chill'd  by  frost 
Of  absence  cold ;  but  yet,  if  thou  wert  here, 
Thy  presence  would  destroy  the  canker-worm 
Of  care  that  gnaws  my  drooping  life  away ; 
Aye,  be  my  blissful  antidote  of  woe ; 
My  sallow  cheek  with  vital  rouge  bespread, 
And  make  my  heart  again  leap  high  with  joy 
In  loving  warmth  to  mount  in  luster  there, 
And  to  the  world  proclaim  how  Death  for  once 
Had  been  deprived  of  me  in  maidenhood, 
For  whom  he  had  the  silent  bier  prepared. 

"  Oh,  would  to  God  thy  work  were  done,  and  thou 
All  safe  to  me  returned  across  the  main ! 


OB,     LOVE     A  tf  D     LAKD.  143 

How  quick   my  own  would    beat   to   press   the 

heart 

That  I  love  of  my  sweet  Eafael  dear 
Who  hath  flown  from  my  side  o'er  the  wayes 
Par  away !    But  I  fear  such  hopes  are  vain, 
For  he,  by  war's  imperious  mandate  dread, 
Hath  from  my  side  been  call'd  to  scour  the  deep 
In  search  of  foes,  and  leave  his  lady-love 
Neglected  here  alone,  annoy'd  by  those 
Who  hate  him  for  his  love  of  me ! 

"Ah,  grief 

Is  mine !    Nothing  here  can  soothe  me :  nor  tones 
Of  melting  music  fond,  nor  friendship's  joys ! 
All  indifferent  are  and  vain  to  cheer  me. 
For  when  among  the  proud  and  great  I  sit, 
Or  with  the  gay  and  thoughtless  mingle, 
Thy  manly  form  and  graceful  air,  Eafael, 
Still  looms  up  in  my  mind  in  retrospect 
Admiringly,  for  none  there  are  but  I 
Who  doth  imagine  what  mishap  betides  thee, 


144  THE   MEXICAN; 

And  none  but  I  who  doth  so  deeply  feel 
Thy  loss! 

"  Ah  me !  how  vain  another  one 
My  love  may  emulate,  as  none  can  feel 
Fond  absent  love-pangs  half  so  keenly,  nor, 
I'm  sure,  with  the  same  force  can  feel  such  aches 
As  throb  the  livelong  day  at  my  sad  heart. 

"  Ah,  false  he  could  not  be !    How  pitiful 
My  lot,  were  I  from  him  estranged !    Ah,  no  ! 
This  can  not  be ;  for  the  sweet  tongue  that  pledged 
Thro'  life  its  troth  to  me,  now  surely  would  not 
Condescend  love's  cadence  soft  to  whisper 
In  a  strange  one's  ear.    No,  no ;  thy  vignette 
Is  true  voucher  for  the  heart  that  murmur'd 
Love  at  parting  hour. 

"  Now,  come  from  my  breast 
Thou  fac-simile  of  his  own  sweet  self. 
See  how  true  to  the  life !     Oh !  I  can't  refrain 
From  kissing  thy  sweet  portraiture,  brave  Raf. ; 


OB,     LOVE     AKD     LAND.  145 

Thy  image  doth  charm  me  so ;  thy  face  I  love, 

Revere ;  it  tells  me  that  thy  heart  doth  dwell 

In  faith's  abiding-place — the  lover's  seat. 

Yes,  love,  I'll  hope.    I  press  thee  to  my  heart. 

'Tis  better  that  affection  bringeth  light 

And  joy,  than  foul  suspicion  darken  worse 

One's   life.     Aye,  Rafael   dear!  I've  done   thee 

wrong, 

Thy  honest  face  a  faithful  heart  portrays. 
Oh,  see  his  tresses  dark  as  when  the  day 
Hath  lost  its  light,  how  coyly  from  his  brow, 
So  smooth,  they  in  their  curling  freedom  revel  I 
While  his  eyes,  so  archly  'neath  their  lashes 
Shaded,  gleam  as  lustrous  as  twin  stars  do 
In  a  summer's  evening  bright. 

"Oh,  that  face, 

In  pride  of  manliness  how  handsome ! 
Perfect  as  an  artist  could  with  pencil  sketch ! 
Or  charming  nature  mold  with  beauty's  hand ! 
Now  its  loveliness  no  shade  of  sorrow  mars ; 


146  THE     MEXICAN". 

It  wears  the  pleasing  smile  I  oft  hath  seen, 
When  thou,  dear  youth,  the  friend  and  pride  of  all 
"Who  knew  thee,  would  approach  with  cheerful  air 
My  father's  halls  when  merry-making  high 
Around  the  social  board  would  ring ! 

"  Oh,  why 

Didst  thou  for  distant  seas  their  friendship  shun, 
And  adverse  tempests  brave !    Oh !  'twas  cruel, 
E'en  sad,  to  have   fled   from   the  home  of  thy 

fathers, 

Leaving  me  desolate,  quite  broken-hearted! 
Oh,  confound  the  cause  that  sever'd  thee  from  me, 
And  made  the  space  that  lies  between  each  heart, 
Meant    only    now  to  try  thy  love    with  mine! 

But  I'll 

Be  patient,  Eafael  dear,  as  something  tells 
Me  we'll  yet  meet  again ;  that  brighter  days 
Are  set  apart  for  you  and  I  to  bask 
Thro'  all  the  hours  which  may  hereafter  roll 
In  sunny  splendor  o'er  our  heads.    Yet  p'rhaps 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  147 

My  woe  in  golden  hopes  I'm  gilding, 

For  'tis  so  strange  that  these  few  months  of  gloom 

Hath  all  my  bright  days  darken'd !    Still,  when  I 

pause, 

I  think  how  yain  this  maiden  fantasy ! 
It  seems  like  waking  from  a  spell  of  death, 
With  mind  unconscious  still  of  things  about 
The  world,  ne'er  heeding  once  how  oft  they  come 
Thro'  ever-changing  time,  then  go  ! 

"But  soft; 

I  dread  to  tell  the  tale  that  awes  my  breath, 
Fearful  lest  the  truth  might  pain !     Yet,  still  why 

doubt  ? 

'Twere  better,  p'rhaps,  that  I  ivere  dead  and  laid 
Down  in  earth's  narrow  cell,  than  hopeless  pine 
And  murmur  thus  both  night  and  day ! 

"Oh,  fie! 

What  mean  these  tears  I  weep  upon  thy  form, 
Beloved  of  other  days  ?    Now  enter  thy  case 
Of  pearl  and  gold,  with  velvet  interlaced ; 


148  THE    MEXICAN; 

There  in  thy  azure-tinted  richness  dwell. 
I'll  to  the  scenes  of  early  days,  among 
Yon  hills  and  rocks  that  skirt  the  sea. 
The  clouds  do  lightly  pass  beneath  a  sky 
Of  blue ;  the  breeze  doth  murmur  wildly  sweet 
This  noon  in  from  the  ever-rolling  sea,  where, 
Foaming  the  pebbly  shore,  its  gleeful  waves 
To  ocean's  music  move.     There  solace  I 
May  find  for  my  unhappy  reverie." 

Morena  then,  in  woeful  love  absorb'd, 

Her  hand  reach'd  out  and  took  a  book  of  prayer ; 

Her  lone  heart's  ease  when  fetter'd  so  with  woe ; 

For  as  the  days  roll'd  round  on  sunlit  wheels 

Of  time,  her  matins  to  Almighty  God 

She  with  her  sighs  thro'  lips  commingled. 

Then  out,  obedient  to  the  chapel  bell, 
Forth  from  its  belfry  pealing  tones  to  come 
And  offer  up  her  daily  prayer  to  Him, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  149 

Demure  she  walked  along  a  narrow  path 
That  widen'd  to  a  broad  and  level  way 
Where  stood  the  consecrated  shrine  to  Christ. 

Soon  near  the  altar  stone  in  special  pew, 
Devout,  near  other  worshipers,  sho  knelt. 
The  vail  that  hid  her  rueful  face  she  raised, 
And  meekly  fix'd  her  eyes  upon  the  cross 
Of  Jesus  blest,  and  Him  adoring,  bow'd. 
Then  oft  the  tumult  of  blest  feelings 
Bade  her  tongue  speak  out  devotions  to  her  God, 
And  vent  in  softest  tones  her  thoughts  sublime 
Of  him  whose  spirit  next  her  God  she  loved. 

There  some  relief  this  pious  fervor  gave 
To  her  wrung  heart,  so  hopeless  then  of  bliss ; 
For  when  her  prayers  were  done,  she  rose  from 
Knees,  devout  and  thankful,  bow'd  her  sorrowing 

head 

"  To  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son,  and  God 
The  Holy  Ghost." 


150  THE    MEXICAN"; 

This  said,  then  down  the  aisle, 
From  out  the  holy  shrine,  she  journey'd  forth 
Thro'  paths  that  sloped  to  the  "broad  sea. 

Before 

The  pensive  eyes  of  the  lone  maid,  soon  full 
In  view  with  pride,  its  placid  bosom  heaved. 
Awhile  in  mournful  gaze  the  surf  she  watch'd, 
Which  from  the  smiling  green  of  ocean  roll'd 
In  braids  of  misty  brine  along  the  shore. 

Then  from  the  ruffling  waves  so  playful 

In  their  foamy  pride  upon  the  glittering  sands, 

Her  eyes  she  raised  and  measured  with  a  glance, 

From  where  she  stood,  the  ocean  round 

To  where  it  seem'd  the  verging  sky  to  touch ; 

But  there  upon  her  view  no  sail  appear'd. 

"Ah!  who,"  she  sigh'd,  "can  tell  what  evil  there, 
On  yonder  deep,  which  now  so  tranquilly 
Beposeth,  hath  befallen  my  young  man  ? 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  151 

Alas !  upon  its  placid  bosom,  oft 

Much  treachery  there  lurketh ;  for  when  itfs  by 

A  gentle  whiff  of  wind  awaken'd 

From  its  briny  slumber,  it  will  murmur 

First,  then  roar,  then  madly  leapeth,  ready 

To  engulph  its  victims  in  its  mighty  depths ! 

"  0  ocean  dread !  what  means  thy  summer  sighing 
Which  so  dolefully  doth  in  my  ears  ring 
Complainings  sadly  sweet,  perchance,  of  him  ? 
Here,  due  west,  I've  seen  thee  five  months,  last 


Void  of  vessels  bounding  thy  horizon  dim. 
Once  thou  wert  to  me  romantic,  charming ; 
But  I  feel  that  pleasure  now  no  more ;  for 
Those  days  hath  come  and  flown  when  I  would  sit 
Upon  this  rock  and  let  thy  gentle  breeze 
Thus  gambol  with  my  raven  hair.    Alas ! 
'Tis    chiding    now    hath    ta'en    the    place    of 
praising. 


152 

Oh,  fie  upon  thy  cruel  winds  that  blew 
Across  thy  depths  my  darling  love  from  me ! 

"  Oh,  shame !  what  haye  I  said  ?    Forgive  me ;  'tis 
My  heart  and  not  my  temper  that  upbraids. 
Yea,  thou  wilt  safely  homeward  from  thy  tempests 
Wing  my  Rafael  back  from  sea.    Canst  tell  me 
Why  he  lingers  ?     Oh,  so  long  it  seems  since 
He  hath  left  me  lonely !    Alas!  can  death  have 
Claim'd  him,  say?    I  fear  he  hath  been  wreck'd 

and  thrown 

A  lifeless  corpse  on  some  wild  desert  shore ; 
For  in  my  dreams  one  night  methought  I  heard 
Upon  the  wind  his  cry  of  wild  despair, 
As  he,  poor  soul  I  immersed  in  the  salt  sea, 
Did  bravely  grasp  thy  mad'ning  waves  for  aid !" 

This  said,  Morena  paused.    'Twas  then  the  hour 
The  glowing  sun,  far  on  its  western  course, 
By  slow  degrees  beneath  the  ocean  verge, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  153 

Dipt   down   and  quench'd  its  fiery  beam,  while 

bronzing 

With  its  rays  a  crest  of  cloudlets  high 
Above  Sonera's  hills. 

Then  the  evening  dew 
In  glittering  jets  began  to  fall ;  and  night 
O'er  earth  and  sea  intrusive  came,  and  wrapt 
In  faded  tints  of  dying  day,  the  maid 
Whose  fancy  at  that  silent  hour  began 
Illusive  fears  to  shape. 

So,  with  drooping  head 
And  listless  step,  then  homeward  straightway 
In  the  twilight  from  those  scenes  she  wander'd. 

Arrived,  she  took,  as  was  her  wont  at  eve, 

When   Venus    brightly    shone    o'er   bower   anc 

stream, 

Her  sweet  guitar,  whose  dulcet  strains  she  deem'd 
Would  solace  bring  to  her  distracted  heart 
And  mind.    Then  looking  up,  she  thus  began : — 


154 


"  O  lucid  star  of  eve,  I  see  thy  glance 
Resplendent,  beaming  down  on  sea  and  plain, 

And  in  thy  sheen  the  sportive  wavelets  dance  ; — 
Oh  that  thy  gleam  could  brighten  my  dark  brain ! 

"  Ah,  pure,  pale  star,  thou  hast  the  benign  power 
To  shed  a  gleam  o'er  sorrow's  gloomiest  hue ; 

But  thou  this  eve  on  me  doth  sickly  lower, 
As  if  his  loss  also  now  grieveth  you ! 

"  Even  as  the  eye  of  him  whom  I  deplore, 
Was  my  soul's  orb  as  lustrous  as  thy  beam, 

Oh,  say !  hath  gales  adverse  him  toss'd  ashore, 

Or  sunk  him  'neath  the  waves  deep  from  thy  gleam  ?" 

"  In  yain  you  sigh  for  him  whom  hither  oft 
Thy  kindness  drew/' 

This  hush'd  her  mournful  strain  ; 
A  thousand  fears  upon  her  features  played. 
Fright  its  pallor  o'er  her  beauty  cast. 
She  shook  as  if  in  icy  fetters  bound  ; 
Like  falling  stars,  her  eyes  shot  thro'  the  gloom. 
About  she  wildly  stared.    Whom  did  she  see, 
Vague,  indistinct  ?  for  there  her  keen  eye  scan'd 


OB,     LOVE    AND     LAND.  155 

A  form  with  hair  and  features  that  awoke 
Upon  her  sight  resemblance  of  a  man. 
Thrice  three  times  she  tried  to  speak,  but  could  not, 
Nor  even  stir  from  her  soft-cushion'd  seat. 

At  length  alarm  gave  way.    Her  voice  regain'd 
Its  speech ;  then  with  unfettered  tongue  she  spoke : 

"  Who  at  this  silent  hour,  when  night  enwraps 

In  sable  folds  of  air  both  hill  and  dale 

With  darkling  step,  perchance  from  some  foul  den, 

Into  my  room  himself  obtrudes  ?    Hast  thou 

Come  here  a  tale  of  grief  to  cite,  or  fear 

To  add  to  my  sad  heart  now  rack'd  by  dread 

Of  thee  ?    I  know  not  whom  thou  art !  whence 

from: 

Perchance  thou  art  some  midnight  imp  who  from 
Dark  haunts  now  prowleth  round  in  guise  thus 

foul!" 

Noiseless,  then,  the  form  glid  nearer  where  she  stood 


156  THE   MEXICAN; 

"  Keep  back !"  Morena  cried.     "  Who  art  thou  ? 

speak 

Thy  wish !    Why  standeth  boldly  there,  as  if 
My  life  were  now  dependent  on  thy  will  ? 
What  wouldst  thou   ask  ?     What  frantic   deed 

bent  on  ? 

I  know  not  what  Fye  done  that  could  offend 
The  Sovereign  Judge  of  all,  much  less  the  whims 
Of  vain,  perfidious  man !  what  law  divine 
Infringed,  no  mercy  conscience  could  reclaim I" 

"  0  thou  capricious  jade !  Til  let  thee  know, 

To   thy   regret,    who    makes    thee    quake   with 

fear! 

Thou  vain,  inconstant  one !  the  first  and  last 
To    whisper    to    my    heart,  bright    hopes    that 

raised 

It  soaring  far  on  gracious  wings  to  heaven, 
And  fill'd  my  bosom  with  that  passion  warm 
Which  yet  torments  me  still ! 


OB,     LOVE     AHD     LAND.  157 

"  All !  well  mayst  thou  look 
Distrustful  on  the  face  thou  once  admired ! 
I  once  thy  lover  was,  thy  dearest  friend, 
But  now  thy  foe  am  I ;  for  here  I've  come 
To  hurl  thee  from  thy  height  of  fancied  bliss 
With  him  my  rival." 

"Art  thou  Gandora?" 

"  Yes,  he  am  I,  whom  oft  thou  hast  despised ! 
Ha !  ha  !  this  makes  thee  flutter  like  a  frighten'd 

bird 
From   ravenous   hawk !      Thy    conscience    fears 

my  wrath. 

Nay,  shrink  not  from  me.    I  for  many  an  hour, 
With  weary  limbs,  hath  rugged  paths  traversed 
To  tell  thee  of  the  ills  which  my  pain'd  heart 
Endures.    A  tale  of  wrong  it  is,  whose  venom  now 
Shall  sting  thy  ears,  and  make  with  fright  thy 

tongue, 

Ere  thou  can  speak,  cling  to  thy  mouth.    Now  well 
My  story  mark. 


158  THE   MEXICAN; 

"  Tho'  I  thro'  you  hath  been 
Outlaw'd  (thou  know'st  it  well),  yet  I  in  morn 
Of  life  serene,  for  honor  and  for  deeds 
Of  virtue  firm,  did  rank  in  name,  in  praise, 
Distinction,  with  the  noblest  of  mankind. 
Those  virtues  from  the  purest  source  I  drew, 
Thro'  honesty  and  truth,  whose  streams  glid  by 
In  righteous  ways  of  life  to  honor  bright, 
Until  I  hoped  my  sun  of  day  would  set 
In  heaven  with  thee,  if  fate  so  will'd  that  thou 
Wouldst  form  thy  nuptial  yoke  on  earth  with  me  I 

"  Oh !  had  it  then  the  will  of  heaven  been 
That  I  by  death  had  lost  my  fond  heart's  choice, 
I  should  then  have  been  spared  the  license 
Which  I've  used  to  harm  my  fellow-kind ! 

«  Ah,  theo* 

Thou  wert  transcendent, — aye,  so  chastely  mild ! 
I  wooed  thee  as  the  stars  woo  heaven ;  for  in 
My  gaze  thou  wert  divine.    No  coolness  then 


OB,     LOVE     AKD     LAHD.  159 

I  thought  would  quench  my  bosom's  fire;  for  as 
The  ebb  and  flow  of  tides  obey  the  moon, 
So  my  heart's  blood,  unerringly,  from  day 
To  day  by  thee  was  moved  to  come  and  go, 
Obedient  to  its  joyful  measure. 

"'Twas   then   you  heard  with  willing    ears  my 

vows, 

And  wreathed  in  smiles  thy  lips  that  gave  assent 
Of   faith,    of  heart,   of    hand.     This    gave   me 

hope 

That  you  and  I  together,  hand  in  hand, 
Would  gladly  roam  united  mates  thro'  life, 
As  I  the  vows  you  pledged  alone 
Preferr'd ;  but  thou,  whom  I  loved  more  than  life 
Itself,  did  make  a  vile  return  for  those 
To  thee  I  gave !    0  thou  base  perjurer 
Of  oaths !    I  swear  mine  was  an  honest  love  I 

* 
"  But  soon  you  cast  a  longing  eye  on  one 


160  THE   MEXICAN; 

Who    had    more    wealth    but    far    less    heart 

than  me ; 

For  then  I  saw  by  slow  degrees  you  tried 
By  every  scheme  thy  fancy  could  contrive 
To  shake  me ;  for  thy  greedy  ears  had  from 
A  recreant's  guileful  lips  already  suck'd 
Effusive  strains  of  flattery ! 

"  For  a  time 

In  doubt  I  trembled,  half  bewilder'd,  scarce 
My  senses  knowing;  but  oft  and  long 
That  painful  anguish  bore,  days,  aye,  weeks, 
Without  a  murmur  or  complaint.    Alas ! 
What  woes !  how  wretched,  sad  at  heart  was  1 1 

"  Yet  still,  I  then  by  reason  tried  to  feel 

Submission  to  what?  fete  ordain'd ;  to  feed 

My  cherish'd  grief  and  cool  my  frenzy ! 

Boldly   then    o'er   wave    I    sail'd,    o'er   land   I 

roam'd, 
Casting,  where'er  I  went,  an  ardent  glance, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  161 

In  hope  that  I  another  one  would  find 
As  fair,  but  far  more  true  than  thou.     But  all 
In  vain ;  I  saw  no  glimpse  of  prospect  bright : 
It  put  my  mind  in  deepest  gloom. — Despair 
Loom'd  up.    I  thought  amid  the  flood  to  plunge, 
And  there  yield  up  my  soul  unto  the  God 
Who  me  it  gave  ! 

"  But  when  I  sought  my  couch, 
My  thoughts  on  thee  would  dwell.    Thy  image, 
Like  an  angel  in  my  dreams,  would  come 
To  me  with  balm  my  fitful  sleep  to  soothe. 
Again  with  love  these  visions  fired  my  heart ; 
Again,  with  hopes  the  fairest,  at  thy  feet 
I  sought  thy  hand  to  ease  the  pain  that  burn'd 
Convulsive  in  my  heart ;  but  yet  again 
You  on  my  pious  suit  did  frown,  and  from 
Thine  eye  disdainful  drove  deep  in  my  soul 
The  slow,  consuming  fire  of  hate.    Those  smarts 
Of  thy  disdain  I  felt ;  the  keenest  pangs 
Of  mortal  agony  endured ;  despair, 


162  THE   MEXICAK; 

Kage,  grief,  my  bosom  rankled ;  revenge 

Stole  in  upon  my  thoughts.     I  then  resolved 

To  strew  thy  path  thro'  life  with  thorns,  and 

laid 

My  plans  for  tny  abduction,  on  the  day 
Thy  father  cast  me  in  a  prison  dark. 
May  heaven's  wrath  upon  his  hoary  head 
Descend !  for  I've  since  then  by  him  been  urged 
To  crimes  my  sober  reason  now  condemns ! 

"Now  hearken  further  to  my  tale: 

"  When  I 

Within  that  dungeon  thrown,  my  fate  outside 
The  prison  walls  ran  rife,  and  mingled  with 
The  busy  tongues  of  slander's  foul-mouth'd  crew, 
Who  on  my  friends,  the  buzzing,  waspish  race 
Of  thoughtless    things    did    meanly  with    their 

venom 

Try  to  sting  the  virtuous  hearts  they  could  not 
Emulate. 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  163 

"  Meanwhile,  tho'  lock'd  up  in  a  cell, 
Yet  night  and  day  my  hands  were  rasping  of 
The  clanking  shackles  which  my  feet  and  wrist 
Then  bound. 

"At  length,  I  from  my  hands  them  wrench'd. 
Again  upon  my  brow  the  wind  of  heaven 
Freely  blew ;  then  to  the  mountains  quick  I  took 
My  way,  to  violate  the  laws  I  once 
Myself  so  well  observed. 

"There,  full  numberM 
By  the  score,  a  gang  of  hardened  men  I've 
Banded  for  to  rob  and  ruin  all  who 
Cross  their  path.     There,  no  laws  can  circum- 
scribe 

Their  freedom,  nor  can  righteousness  reclaim : 
"When  first  they  harken'd  to  my  tale  of  wrongs, 
With  execrations  loud  they  swore,  in  all 
Their  bitterness  of  heart,  what  they'd  have  done 
Had  they  been  me. 


164  THE    MEXICAN; 

"  Ha !  this  makes  thee  tremble. 
'Tis  thy  turn  now  to  stoop  before  my  power; 
For  the  tortures  which  you  scornfully  did 
Give  to  me,  I  now  for  you  prepare. 

"Nay, 

Look  not  now  regretful  on  me,  for  no 
Fervent  zeal  of  thine  can  stir  in  my  wrong'd  heart 
One  thought  of  mercy  more ! 

"  0  thou  false  promiser 
Of  love !  what  pity  now  expect  from  him 
Whom  thou  hast  wrong'd, — aye,  vilely  wrong'd, 

false  one ! 

Aye,  thou  who  with  unyielding  soul,  my  vows 
And  fond  petitions  answer'd  with  disdain ! 

"  But  notwithstanding  thou  thy  worst  hath  done 

To  injure  me,  yet  still  no  oaseness  now 

Hath  brought  me  here  to  do  thee  wrong ;  for  tho' 

A  renegade  I  am,  scorn'd  by  the  world 

And  thee,  yet  not  to  kill,  but  foster  life, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  165 

My  aim  hath  always  been ;  so,  thine  is  safe 
If  I  once  more  do  gain  the  love  I  crave/' 

"  No !  never,  never  can  I  link  my  fate 
With  thee !"  Morena  scream'd. 

"  'Twas  always  thus 

I  found  thee  full  of  cynic  sneer,  thou  jade," 
Gandora  said.    "  Thus,  once  before,  you  spurn'd 
Me  from  thy  hateful  gaze,  although  I  loved 
Thee  then  as  never  man  loved  woman  more. 

"So  now,  thou  fickle  goddess  of  deceit! 

Tho'  grief  for  him  I  hate  hath  warp'd  thy  heart 

And  crazed  thy  brain,  thou  must  to  me  succumb." 

Just  then,  a  sudden  bound  Gandora  gave, 
And  with  his  arm  the  fair  one's  waist  entwin'd. 
But  thrice  her  struggles  his  firm  grip  relax'd. 
"  0  most  abused,  most  helpless  of  my  kind !" 
She  cried.    "  0  father,  father,  where  art  thou  ?" 


166  THE    MEXICAN. 

Yet,  still  unmindful  of  her  tears  and  cries, 
Again  the  dear,  defenceless  maid  he  clutch'd, 
And  brought  her  in  the  gloom  of  night  away 
Thro'  wild  and  dreary  paths  of  rocky  waste, 
And  lodg'd  her  in  a  stronghold  firm,  hard  by 
the  sea. 


CHAPTER   VII. 

JUST  when  the  sun  down  thro'  the  ambient  blue 
Of  heaven  high  diffused  its  morning  glow 
O'er  verdant  scenes  most  wildly  grand,  within 
A  rustic  temple,  Rafael  there,  half  dead, 


168  THE    MEXICAN; 

SequesterM  with  the  island  beauty, 
On  a  rosy  couch  reclined. 

With  balm  in  hand, 

She  o'er  him  bent,  his  soul  to  cordialize. 
"  Take    this/'  with    sweet,  soft  voice   she    said ; 

"'twill  do 

Thee  good ;  it  strengthens  while  it  cheers,  and  from 
Oppression's  load,  the  bosom  frees." 

He  then 

His  eye  roll'd  up,  as  if  imploring  aid, 
And  with  a  shuddering  motion  of  his  lips, 
He  drank  the  nectar'd  draught  she  gave. 

Soon  it  roused 

His  faint  and  fluttering  pulse  from  mortal  swoon, 
And  sent  thro'  each  chill  limb  of  his  weak  frame, 
A  speedy  transport  warm  and  soothing,  which 
In  sleep's  mesmeric  trance  his  senses  shut 
From  the  external  world. 

So,  while  Eafael 
Oblivious  there  in  dreamy  realms  lay, 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  169 

Admiringly,  the  island  beauty  saw 
He  yet  was  in  the  robust  time  of  life, 
So  handsome,  blithe,  and  fair,  all  manly  grace : 
"  A  fit  companion  for  a  queen,"  she  said, 
"  Of  all  the  sons  of  men,  I'm  sure  he  is 
The  fairest,  aye,  no  doubt,  the  noblest  of 
His  race  remaining !    See  how  majestic 
In  distress  he  looketh,  with  his  life  almost 
Extinct !    Ah,  may  refreshing  dreams  attend 
Thy  slumbers  here,  secure  in  peace,  dear  one 
Near  me !" 

Then  down  she  stoop'd,  and  from  his  lips 
Inbreathed,  in  amative  caress,  soft  tones 
Fresh   from    his  soul,  while  oft,  meantime,  she 

there 
His  raven  locks  with  dalliance  coy  did  braid. 

But  Rafael  soon  from  sleep  awoke,  and  said, 
As  he  his  charming  friend  observed  :  "  Art  thou 
The  one  who  like  an  angel  came  and  led 


170  THE    MEXICAN; 

Me  here  just  when  I  thought  all  help  in  vain, 
All  human  hope  was  lost  ?" 

"I  am,"  she  said. 

With  grateful  ardor,  then,  her  hand  he  press'd ; 

It  to  his  lips  he  raised  and  bless'd  the  skill 

It    wrought    with    sovereign    balm    within    his 

frame 
That  once  scarce  lived,  scarce  breathed. 

So  for  that  skill 

Displayed,  he  lauded  her  with  praises  sweet 
She  mostly  liked  to  hear.    "  Oh,  what  a  mind  ! 
How  wonderful !     Can  goodness  in  a  face 
Beam  from  a  warmer  heart  than  thine  ?" 

Meanwhile, 

She,  like  an  artful  syren,  there  unveil'd 
Her  beauties  to  his  wondrous  gaze.    His  heart 
To  social  softness  then  inclined,  for  oh ! 
He  felt  his  bosom  touch'd  with  passion  soft, 
And,  kneeling  down,  exclaim'd : 


OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  171 

"  Oh,  stay  my  heart  I 
Why  beating  sigh  impassion'd  tribute 
To  her  will?" 

Harmless,  then,  she  smiled  and  bent 
Her  ear  to  catch  his  breathing  tones  of  love. 

"  0  Heaven !  hast  thou  here  on  earth  an  angel 
Sent  to  charm  my  soul  and  teach  me  love, — 
Or  that  I  might  in  this  fair  form  divine 
Thy  beauteous  work  behold  ? 

"  With  thee  I'm  charm'd, 
Aye,  love,  and  am  delighted ;  kiss  the  lips 
That  gave  me  hope,  when  I,  forlorn  and  weak, 
And  unbefriended,  hopeless,  pined  in  exile 
On  this  isle. 

"  Yes,  thou  hast  made  me  captive ; 
Thy  melting  eyes  reflect  the  flame  that  burns 
My  heart,  and  bids  me  kneel  a  willing  slave 
To  thee,  I  fain  for  life  my  own  would  call." 

Then  Rafael  at  her  feet  swore  endless  troth, 


172 

And  said,  thro'  sighs  warm  from  his  heart : 

"  0    maiden    fair,    you've    charm'd    my    soul  I 

thy  face 

And  loye  hath  bound  me  captive  !    Thy  votary 
Now  am  I.    Ah,  yes,  thy  humblest  slave  !    Do 
"With  me  what  thou  wilt.    I  am  myself  no  more ! 

Then  he  her  lily  hand  with  fervor  press'd. 
He  felt  that  life  was  nothing  without  love ; 
"With  it  his  soul  was  gorged ;  in  conflict  sweet 
Thro'  all  his  frame  it  burn'd :  love  his  valor 
Conquered,  his  ambitious  ardor  cool'd. 

So, 

There,  upon  the  isle  which  seem'd  enchanted, 
Rafael,  with  the  island  beauty  would,  'mid 
Glades  and  flowery  plains,  oft  and  again 
His  passport  take  to  the  Elysian  ground, 
A  garden  beautified  with  monthly  blooms 
Of  rose,  and  crocus  golden  as  the  sun 
At  set  of  day,  with  purple  cloudlets  fring'd. 
Then  sylvan  nymphs  from  vale  and  hill,  from  rock 


OB,     LOVE    AND     LAKD.  173 

To  rock  migrating,  came  and  trip'd  the  grass 
Where  blade  ne'er  droopM  and  danced  to  strains 
Of  mirthful  pipe  around  that  mystic  court 
Of  revelry,  where  Eafael  and  his  queen 
Of  love  and  beauty,  all  in  gold  and  rich 
In  gems  adorn'd,  down  by  his  side  did  sit. 

Amazed,  he  wonder'd  what  fantastic  show 
Before  his  view,  her  agency  had  wrought ; 
For  they,  unlike  in  form,  in  feature,  mien, 
Yet  breathed  like  mortal  shapes  of  heaven  born. 

"  What  tiny  things    are    these,"  he    said,  "  live 

here? 

Are  superhuman  agencies  at  work 
Upon  this  isle,  attesting  hidden  things 
Of  nature  to  the  learned  world  unknown  ? 
For  here  reigns  one  supreme,  man's  mortal  life 
To  crown  with  endless  scenes  of  bliss  unask'd ! 
But  in  the  land  where  I  came  from  no  power 


174  THE     MEXICAN. 

Reveals  to  human  eyes  the  perfect  form 
Of  man  wrought  by  our  Maker's  hand ;  for  there, 
Man's  but  a  thing  of  reason,  struggling  on, 
Thro'  his  short  life,  to  gain  a  knowledge  vast 
Of  earthly  things  to  give  him  human  power, 
Or  lead  on  virtuous  paths  a  blameless  life, 
So  blent  is  he  from  birth  with  error,  vice, 
And  sin.    But  here,  remote  upon  an  isle, 
Omnipotence  the  mystic  veil  lifts  up 
And  shows  to  my  astonish'd  eye,  such  shapes 
With  due  proportion  fair  of  things  that  creep, 
And  walk,  and  wing,  and  swim,  as  are  the  height 
Of  all  creative  thought !    Ah !  nature  hath 
Strange    ways    on    lands   where    southern    seas 
do  roll." 

So,  week  in  and  week  out,  there  Rafael  pass'd 
Thro'  scenes  most  strange,  but  yet  unvaried  still, 
Feasting  on  music,  love,  and  wine ;  but  soon 
"With  music,  wine,  and  love  his  appetite 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  175 

Was  gorged,  for  wine,  and  Iqve,  and  music  all 
Upon  his  senses  pall'd ;  for  then  desire 
Had  turn'd  to  loathing  what  he  first  so  fondly 
There  admired. 

Again,  sweet  thoughts  came  crowding 
In  his  mind  of  fair  Morena,  dreaming 
P'rhaps  in  groves  ambrosial  skirting  the  shore, — 
The  native  shore  of  him  so  far  away  estranged 
From  her,  frpm  parent,  friend. 

"  Oh,  why  am  I 

So  foolish  here  to  fondly  loiter  with 
A  syren  who  delights  in  naught  but  love, 
And  who  in  many  ways  doth  scheme  to  melt 
My  resolution  to  her  will,  to  bind 
Me  down  obedient  to  her  every  wish  ? 
Her  I  do  abhor,  detest.    All  I  see  is 
Vain  illusion  here,  man's  outward  senses 
Mocking.    I  must  free  me  from  her  power, 
Aye,  break  the  spell  the  artful  jade  hath  wove, 
With  cunning  skill,  to  force  from  out  my  mind 


176  THE   MEXICAN; 

The  object  which  my  soul  with  sacred  ties 
Holds  dear.    Far  better  die  a  wretch  unknown, 
Than  link  my  life  with  hers. 

"So,  I'll  bide  my  time, 
To  coldly  bid  adieu  to  her  I  dare 
Disdain,  e'en  tho'  I  suffer  a  few  days, 
Counting  the  rapid  flight  of  time,  until 
From  passing  ship  I'm  seen  forlorn  upon 
This  isle. 

"  So,  moment  opportune,  roll  round 
For  me  to  dare  the  fatal  pass,  or  else 
I  may  for  years,  from  human  face,  amid 
These  savage  scenes,  be  barr'd." 

Just  then  the  nymph, 

With  wreath  in  hand,  to  Eafael  turn'd,  and  said : 
"  Eafael,  all  is  fair,  serene.    In  this  place 
Love  reigns  triumphant ;  here  with  beauty  dwell. 
Now  raise  thy  head.    The  promised  hour  hath 
come 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  177 

To  solemnize  our  nuptials.    Here's  the  wreath 
With  which  thy  future  bride  now  crown ;  come,  fix 
It  on  my  brow." 

But  Rafael  yet  remain'd 
Disconsolate,  with  spirits  down. 

"  Why  art 
Thou  sad?"  she  said;  "what  doubtful  conflict 

hast 

Thou  in  thy  mind  ?     Come,  raise  thy  downcast  eye, 
And  say  'tis  loye,  fond    love  that    makes  thee 

pensive." 

"  You've  truly  said,  'tis  love  indeed,  Irene, 
That  makes  me  sad ;  but  yet  no  sigh  of  thine 
Need  heave  thy  breast  for  me  I" 

"  Disdain  flash'd  in 

The  quick  glance  of  her  eye.    "  0  thou  false  man 
My  love  you  scorn,  my  beauty  rare  despise !" 
"  Nay,  well  I  do  thy  charms  admire ;  but  fair 
And  comely  as  thou  seemst,  yet  still  my  love 
Is  far  away  from  thee.    Morena  is 


178  THE    MEXICAN; 

To  me  dear  as  the  blood  that  warms  my  heart : 
To  her  Fin  bound  by  every  tie  that  faith 
And  honor  hold  most  dear.    Her  gentle  soul 
I  feel  is  urging  me  in  thought  to  change 
My  course  of  life  in  this  domain.    Ah,  yes ! 
One  smile  of  mine  she  values  more  than  all 
The  wealth  and  love  of  thy  bestowing.    Wealth 
She  values  not ;  'tis  heart  she  prizes  more ; 
For  she  herself  hath  been  in  fortune's  lap 
Profusive  nursed ;  hath  ample  means 
For  both  of  us  to  bask  in  luxury, 
If  meanness  like  a  selfish  niggard,  bade 
Me  sponge  upon  her  love  and  opulence." 

"  0  thou  false  one !  how  little  hath  thou  deem'd 
My  pious  love  and  tender  care  of  thee  ! 
'Tis  what  I  fear'd,  my  suit  would  be  repell'd 
By  thee,  most  hard  of  heart,  of  woman's  love 
Unworthy !    Oh,  shame  !     Shame's  a  term  too 
Mild  for  thy  disgrace ;  perfidy  is  meet ! 


OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  179 

"  So  thus  tliou  hast  my  love  with  wrong  repaid ! 
I,    who    saved    thee,    else    thou    wouldst    have 

sicken'd, 

Died,  and  lain  a  prey  to  beasts  that  prowl 
From  lairs  the  isle  about !" 

"Tis  true,  I  vow, 

Thee  much  I  owe  for  that  kind  act,  and  would 
The  debt  repay,  did  fate  so  place  thee  in 
My  stead,  and  I  in  thine ;  but  love  I  can't 
Bestow ;  honor,  truth,  forbid :  'twas  plighted, 
Ere  I  cross'd  the  wave,  to  one  as  noble 
As  she's  fair." 

"  Good  heaven,  how  he  talks !  you  love, 
Forsooth !  thy  bosom  ne'er  hath  felt  the  least 
Emotion  soft !  thine  eye  the  sanctity 
Of  tears !  thy  mind  no  thought  to  fondly  urge 
Thee  to  the  hovels  of  the  poor,  for  vain 
Thou  art.      Thy  thoughts  are  of  the  world  ; 
Thy  boast  of  fams  and  trophies  won,  but  sound 
As  empty  as  the  passing  wind. 


180  THE     MEXICAN. 

"  Oh,  shame 

Upon  thee,  thou  capricious  man !    Begone ! 
Eemorse  can't  melt  thy  heart,  nor  make  it  feel 
Compassion  due  the  slighted  soul  you've  wrong'd ! 

"  Now  go,  frail  man,  to  woman  false !  thee  I  scorn. 
Hence,  and  find  thy  future  days  all  clouded. 
May  cureless  be  thy  woes !  thy  life  from  joys 
Debarred !  midst  revelry,  thy  heart  forget 
Its  mirthful  beat !  thy  flesh  with  endless  colds 
Be  chilFd !  the  flush  of  health  to  leave  thy  cheek ! 
Thy  nights  no  soft  repose,  but  sleepless  toss 
On  bed  of  thorns ;  and  when  distress'd  thou  art, 
And  writhing  from  thy  aches,  I  hope  thy  tongue 
To  speak  thy  pains  will  be  restrain'd ! 

"  Now  hence, 

Unto  the  rock  where  you  I  found,"  she  said, 
With  hatred  fix'd  and  fierce ;  "and  there  repine, 
Unpitied,  helpless,  and  unheard — base  wretch  I" 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

LONELY,  past  a  swift  and  winding  river, 
Boiling  from  the  mountains  to  the  sea, 
Kafael,  from  the  syren's  habitation, 
Wander'd  sadly  when  the  moon  had  waned, 
The  stars  grew  pale  before  the  dawn  of  day. 


182  THE    MEXICAN; 

Up  bringing  from  his  heart  the  contrite  sigh, 
Which  frequently  upon  the  wind  he  pour'd, 
He  said : 

"  Alas !  the  hours  I  thought  delightful 
Were  but  moments  of  delusion ;  vile  arts 
Affected,  useless,  hollow,  vain  pretense, 
That  lured  my  too  confiding  nature, 
And  my  heart  enslaved  to  love.     Oh,  error 
Past  regret !  what  have  I"  done  ?  whom  have  I 
wrong'd  ? 

"  To  calm  my  soul,  I  needs  must  tell  the  truth 
To  her  who  listened  to  my  woes  and  tales 
Of  love,  when  I  amid  the  citron  groves 
At  home  would  pluck  the  bud  so  pure,  so  fair, — 
Sweet  emblem  of  her  cheek,  that  crimson'd  oft 
When  I  with  tender  touch  her  hand  would  press 
To  snatch  the  stolen  kiss, — soft  magic  power, 
That  drew  my  soul  from  earth  to  heaven  high." 
This  said,  there  voices  strange,  before  unheard, 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  183 

Arose  upon  his  ears.  He  paused  to  cast 
A  look  down  in  a  rocky  glen,  where  fast 
A  current,  rippling,  seaward  ran. 

Then  brief, 

From  where  he  stood,  upon  a  knoll  of  rock 
Which  crop'd  its  barren  head  above  the  vale, 
Intent,  with  hands  uplifted  to  his  brow, 
Awhile  he  gazed,  and  half  exultingly, 
Then  cried :  "  By  all  my  lucky  stars,  they're  men 
Born  of  the  land,  but  who  live  on  the  seas, 
Casking  water  from  yon  brook !  Ill  speed  me 
Quick  along  this  downward  path,  and  greet  them." 

But  scarce  the  path  he  travers'd,  ere  he  came 
Upon  a  score  of  swarthy  seamen  eyeing 
Him  with  eager  looks  in  fix'd  uncertainty. 

"Oh,  heaven  help  us!  who  comes  here?"  they 

cried, 
Half  in  wonder,  half  in  fright. 


184  THE   MEXICAN; 

Then  each  one 

From  his  girdle  drew  a  sheathing-knife, 
And,  springing  forward,  cried  aloud:  "Stand  off! 
Who  dare  intrude?" 

"  A  lonely  castaway," 

Eafael  replied,  "  who  hath  been  thrown  by  stress 
Of  weather  on  this  isle." 

"Ha!  ha!  that's  cool," 
Was  their  laconic  answer.    "  What  know  we 
Of  you  ?    What  Christian,  civilized,  can  live 
A  week  amid  these  dismal  solitudes  ? 
You  shan't  come  here  until  by  word  of  mouth 
You  tell  us  who  you  are,  whence  from ;  and  be 
About  it  quick,  as  we  must  get  aboard 
Our  ship,  just  under  the  lee  of  this  land." 

Then  each  to  each  the  space  between  their  voices 
Bridged  with  colloquy,  in  which  our  hero 
Briefly  told  them  all  about  his  pilgrimage  : 
How  he  was  wreck'd ;  how  saved ;  how  fared,  since 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  185 

He  on  conquest  bent,  to  foster  freedom 

"With  tried  arm  and  true  against  his  country's  foes, 

Had  quit  Sonora's  sunny  hills  so  green. 

"  My  eyes !"  one  cried,  "  why  he's  a  Mexican ! 
And  Spaniards,  bound  for  Guaymas,  are  we. 
Come,  friend,  give  us  your  hand.    There,  brave  boy, 
You'll  do.    Come,  join  our  mess.    We  this  eve 
The  anchor  weigh.     "We  haven't  much  time  to 

spare. 

The  sun  is  low,  and  will  be  down  the  sea 
Ere  we  the  vessel  with  our  water  reach." 

So,  when  the  moon  in  her  pale  beauty  rose 
Full-orb'd  above  the  sea,  upon  the  tide, 
In  mist  of  eve  the  bark  close-haul'd  to  wind 
Ahead,  careening  on  the  glitt'ring  wave, 
Made  tacks  full  three  from  the  mainland, 
Then  sped  away  upon  the  starboard  stretch. 
Eapidly  o'er  the  deep'ning  waters  wide. 


186 

Stiff  was  the  breeze,  and  fair  abeam ;  it  bulged 
Her  canvass  fore  and  aft,  and  forced,  at  times, 
Her  prow  to  dip  beneath  the  heaving  wave. 

Yet  speeding  on,  ne'er  heeding  clouds  of  spray 
That  from  the  angry  sea  flew  round,  rejoice 
Did  Kafael's  heart.     Up  from  the  wave  arising, 
Each  dash  of  brine  was  music  to  his  ear. 
He    knew  each    plunge  she  made  the  distance 

shortened 

To  the  land  where  dwelt  his  pent-up  lady-love. 
How  glad  she'd  be,  he  thought,  if  then  she  knew 
That  he  was  homeward  sailing  swiftly  in 
The  mellow  luster  of  the  moon,  or  yet, 
Perchance,  how  vex'd  her  heart  would  be,  if  then 
She  knew  that  he  was  to  the  dear  one  back 
Eeturning  home  not  ouite  so  pure  to  her. 

These  moods  in  Eafael  oft  the  sailors  saw, 
And  thought,  time  and  again,  that  in  his  breast 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  187 

He    harbor'd    some    fond    hope    he    fain    would 

breathe, 

Or  p'rhaps  some  loss  endured,  or  fame  overthrown 
In  evil  hour,  so  much  that  he  with  sword 
Would  ne'er  provoke  ambition  more. 

So,  in 

A  month,  just  when  the  morn  o'er  misty  space 
The  veil  of  night  from  ocean's  bed  withdrew, 
And  the  red  sun  thro'  rifted  clouds  was  seen, 
A  sailor  from  the  mizzen-top  cried  out : 
"Below!  there's  land  ahead!"     With  cheers  the 

crew 

The  news  received,  but  Kafael  hail'd  it  with 
A  shriek  of  joy. 

Then  casting  from  the  deck 
An  anxious  look,  he  shortly  thro'  the  haze 
Of  distant  space  the  darkling  headland 
Of  his  native  hills  descried. 

Oh,  what  transport 
Then  his  bosom  fill'd !    How  with  new  life 


188  THE     MEXICAN"; 

And  bliss  ecstatic  Iris  rapt  heart  rebounded  1 

So,  when  the  vessel,  by  a  calm  retarded, 
Did  at  anchor  in  the  offing  lay,  a  boat 
Was  from  its  davits  lower'd  upon  the  wave, 
And  pull'd  ashore  with  muscle  firm  of  men 
Bronzed  with  the  briny  tan  of  many  a  sea. 

So,  then,  each  with    their  roving  friend   shook 

hands, 

And  in  their  breath  rapt,  fond  adieus  commingled, 
When  they  at  parting  cast  adrift,  once  more, 
The  yawl,  which  in  the  beam  of  noon  soon  cut 
Across  the  sea's  gray  waste  away  to  where 
The  ship,  as  if  by  fate  ordain'd  to  bring 
The  rover  from  the  isle,  in  calmness  lay. 

Eafael,  then,  gazing  awhile  on  the  wave 
Boiling  in  foam  from  the  sea  to  his  feet, 
Often  there,  thought  they  again  and  again, 
In  their  blissful  commotion,  repeated : 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  189 

"  Hail  to  the  wanderer  from  strange  lands  across 
The  seas !    Long  lost,  yet  loved  Kafael,  oh,  thanks 
To  God  you're  with  us  once  again !" 

So,  then, 

From  off  the  deep  his  eye  yet  darkly  bright 
He  raised  and  mark'd  the  day  in  purpling  tints 
Fast  settling  down  the  western  sky.    This  warn'd 
Him  not  upon  the  beach  to  longer  tarry, 
As  was  his  wont  when  he  an  idle  youth 
From  rise  of  morn  till  eve  closed  round  the  day, 
But  to  the  night  the  breezy  ocean  leave, 
Then  darkening  eastward  on  his  view. 

He  then 

Toward  the  northern  star  his  visage  turn'd, 
And  there,  as  on  he  roam'd  the  surging  strand, 
He  saw  with  gladsome  eye  each  old  landmark : 
The  rocks  on  which  in  youth  his  name  he  carved 
Long  ere  his  heart  high  valor  yearn'd ;  the  spot, 
Also,  where  he'd  in  months  gone  by  embark'd, 
And  which  the  parting  tear  of  sorrow  from 


190 

His  love-lorn  bosom  wrung, — until  a  bluff, 
High  ridging  to  the  sea's  broad  brink,  he  gain'd. 

So  there,  once  more  upon  his  own  green  hills, 
Down  Eafael  bent  and  kiss'd  his  native  sod, 
Look'd  here  and  there,  yet  roaming  still,  and  said : 

"  Where'er  my  face  I  turn,  relics  sad 
Of  war's  red  havoc  meet  my  gaze.    Alas ! 
I  fear  the  despot  who  hath  hither  come 
To  stifle  Freedom's  voice,  is  unsubdued 
And  that  the  blasting  flames  of  war  are  still 
Unquench'd.    Ah,  yes !  methinks  I  hear  upon 
The  sighing  gale  the  groans  of  dying  men, 
Who,  struggling  to  maintain  their  rights,  hath 
Given  nerve  and  blood  in  strife,  ere  they 
Would  kneel  base  abject  slaves  to  dupe  of  kings ; 
Bravely  spurning  all  his  titles,  pomp,  and  pride, 
And  giving  to  the  land  they  love  their  strength, 
Their  truth,  their  faith,  their  valor  and  their  lives, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  191 

"  Oh,  how  my  heart  doth  yearn  to  march  in  line 

Of  complete  files  an  army  firm,  well  drilPd, 

The  combat  on  the  field  of  war  to  wage, 

If  yet  the  bold  invading  foe  hath  his 

Eed  flag  unfurl'd,  till  victory  thro'  these  hills 

Resounds,  and  Echo  rings  the  note  of  joy 

That  Liberty,  dear  mistress  of  our  soil, 

Was  right,  and  Tyranny,  the  scourge  of  blood, 

Was  wrong !" 

This  said,  awhile  in  dumb  suspense 
He  stood  to  breathe  within  the  shadow  span 
Of  old  Don  Pedro's  mansion.    There  he  gave 
A  sigh  for  his  fair  bride,  his  heart,  his  life, 
His  joy,  his  dream  of  youth. 

"  Ah !  how  will  she, 
Poor    frighten'd    thing,"    he    sigh'd,   "me   greet 

this  eve  ? 

Ah,  yes !  I  feel  she'll  hail  me  with  the  joy 
The  plains  of  winter  do  the  flowers  of  summer ; 
The  fish  the  mountain  stream ;  the  leaves 


192  THE    MEXICAN; 

Of  morn  that  open  out  to  drink  the  ray 
Of  solar  light ;  and  birds  with  thrilling  songs 
The  dawn.    Ah,  yes !  Ill  hasten  now  inside, 
And  draw  Morena  to  my  heart  so  glad." 

But  oh !  what  tumult  there  broke  on  his  ear ! 
All  was  confusion  dire !    The  father,  when 
That  night  of  agony  Morena  shriek'd 
For  help,  amazed  from  slumber  calm  awoke, 
And  breathless  starting  from  his  couch,  alarm'd, 
He  wildly  gazed  with  startled  eye  about 
His  room,  and  out  beyond  in  dusky  space, 
But  ne'er  a  soul  he  saw. 

"  What  noise  was  that 

Which  roused  me  up  from  sleep  ?  "  he  said;  "  again 
Those  cries  heart-rending,  on  my  ears  break  I" 

Then  forth  upon  his  feet  he  staggering  strut, 
And  rush'd,  with  limbs  convulsed  by  fear,  down 
stairs, 


OR,     L  0  V  J]     A  X  D     I,  A  X  D 


193 


Where  he,  awe-struck,  that  fatal  hour  observed 
Gandora,  thro'  the  darkness  of  the  night, 
His  abducted  daughter  bearing. 

"Oh,  shame! 

Of  man's  high  race !"  he  cried ;  «  what  wouldst 
Thou  with  my  child  ?     Oh,  rise  !  attendants,  rise 


194  THE    MEXICAN; 

Here  mischief  stalketh  round  and  threatens  all 
With  dire  misfortune  !      0  God  !     0  God !  what 

shall 

I  do  the  foulest  fiend  of  hell  to  stop  ? 
0  righteous  Heaven !  burst  thy  thunder  on 
His  head  and  hurl  him  to  the  fiery  depths 
Of  earth  below  1 

"Ah!  wretched  me,  of  her 
Bereft !  her  loss  will  kill  me  quite  ;  e'en  now 
My  life  this  hour  may  close ;  for  what  remains 
For  me  but  grief,  which  will,  I  feel,  ere  long 
Me  to  the  dreary  grave  consign.    0  God ! 

0  God !  my  child,  my  life,  is  from  me  torn ! 
"Without  her  all  seems  blank !     Oh,  what  is  life 
Without  my  daughter  dear,  my  wealth  of  soul 
With  patience  raised,  with  fond  indulgence  rear'd  ? 

1  her  dear,  fond,  doting  father  watch'd  her  growth 
With  jealous  care,  and  taught  her  mind  to  read 
The  chequerM  page  of  life,  that  she  might  learn 
The  wily  schemes  and  perfidy  of  man. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND  195 

But  oh,  how  vain !  how  futile  all  my  care 
And  watchfulness  of  her  my  fondest  hope, 
Who  would,  ere  long,  my  utmost  wishes  crown 
With  roving  Rafael  brave,  the  warrior  whom 
She  next  her  God  doth  love!     But  he,  alas ! 
From  her  is  wide  apart.     Oh,  if  here  he  were, 
I  know  he'd  boldly  to  her  rescue  fly  V 

"  Speak,  Don  Pedro !  speak !  what  outrage  hath 

been 
Done  thy  daughter  ?" 

"0  Rafael!  is  that  you, 

My  friend,  come  back  this  moment  opportune  ? 
Ah,  yes !  I  know  thy  voice.    Oh,  hear  me  speak, 
If  speak  I  can,  with  voice  nigh  choked  with  grief ! 

"  A  fatal  foe,  Rafael,  with  heart  to  shame 
And  honor  lost,  awhile  ago  came  here. 
And  like  a  phantom  thro'  the  gloom, 
He  to  his  mountain  lair  Morena  drag'd ! 


196  THE    MEXICAN; 

Hence,  Rafael;  go  forth  and  check  the  wretch's 

flight. 

I  have  not  power  enough  in  these  clutch'd  hands 
To  grapple  with  the  monster,  for  age, 
Long  since,  hath  reft  me  of  my  youthful  strength." 

But  Rafael  silent  stood  unmoved,  with  eyes 
Upon  the  floor  fix'd  in  hopeless  gaze ;  for  then 
Contending  doubt  and  hope  his  soul  oppressed : 
Some  snare,  he  thought,  or  ruse,  perchance,  to  test 
His  love. 

"  Rafael,  look  up,"  Don  Pedro  said. 
"  Why  let  fear  above  thy  better  sense  prevail  ? 
Come,  Rafael,  stir ;  let  prouder  feeling  move  thee. 
Oh,  how  unlike  a  soldier  brave  you  stand  ! 
A  chief  ordain'd  by  heaven  to  check  the  course 
Of  those  who  mean  our  overthrow !     Oh !  wert 
Thou,  Rafael,  conscious  of  the  poignant  pang 
Which  thy  Morena  feels,  thou  wouldst  not 
Falter  thus  to  seek  the  foe,  but  run 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  19? 

"With  utmost  speed  my  darling  child  to  save ! 
Courage  once  I  thought  was  thine,  but  now, 
Alas  !  I  fear  that  courage  hath  thy  heart 
Forsook!" 

Yet  Eafael  spaketh  not,  although 
The  old  man's  keen  reproach  his  bosom  stung. 

Again  Don  Pedro's  grieving  heart  gave  vent 

To  words,  with  intermingling  sighs  deep  fraught : 

"  0  Eafael !  pardon  my  unguarded  tongue, 

Which  tauntingly  of  cowardice  unmeet, 

Thee  hath  accused.    It  was,  I  vow,  the  fault 

Of  my  decrepit  age  and  sympathy 

For  her  whose  fate  lies  in  thy  hands.    Therefore, 

Forgive  what  I  have  said  to  thee,  and  rouse 

Up  from  this  mood.     Oh,  stir !  and  think  of  her, 

My  child !    Let  pity  move  thee  for  her  sake ! 

To  thee  her  troth  was  faithful  to  the  last ; 

For  night  and  day,  her  heart,  by  love  of  thee 

Sustain'd,  hath  beat  as  constantly  as  tides 


198  THE    MEXICAN; 

Do  ebb  and  flow ;  her  hand  and  dower  await 
Thee  now/' 

From  doubtful  mood  these  words  Rafael 
Aroused :  awhile  he  firmly  stood.    He  felt 
He  had  a  heart  to  love,  a  willing  hand 
To  save  from  cruelty  Morena  fair, 
And  vengeance  hurl  upon  the  dastard  foe, 
Or,  failing,  share  her  fate,  nor  deem  his  life 
Too  dearly  bought ;  then  said : 

"  Don  Pedro,  tell  me 
"When  this  dire  event  occurr'd." 

"  This  eve, 

Eafael,  he  came, — the  savage  brute, — just  when 
Her  sweet  refrain  of  love  and  constancy 
To  thee  she  sung,  and  when  at  rest  I  scarce 
Repeated  my  devotions  o'er.    In  haste, 
From  'neath  my  roof,  he  drag'd  Morena  hence 
Away,  unmindful  of  her  criers  and  tears, 
To  some  foul  den,  where  she,  perchance,  will  scarce 
"With  bleeding  heart  her  pangs  an  hour  survive." 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  199 

Then  Eafael  look'd  above  and  said,  "  0  God ! 
Have  I  the  perils  of  the  deep  survived 
To  hear  my  only  hope  of  heaven  is  lost, 
Her,  my  pledge  of  faith,  my  loved  Morena ! 
But  I  can  and  will  her  wrongs  avenge : 
My  mind  is  now  to  desperation  wrought. 
Valor  nerves  my  arm  the  sword  to  wield, 
And  cause  the  dastard's  overthrow — aye !  make 
The  traitor  kiss  the  ground ;  for  heaven  bids 
Me  strike  him  dead,  and  God,  I'm  sure,  the  deed 
Will  sanctify." 

Then  far  and  near,  thro'  hill 
And  dale,  the  news  from  lusty  throats  rang  out. 
Inured  to  toil,  Sonora's  hardy  sons, — 
Brave  youths,  all  courage,  firm  and  fearless,  came 
And  rallied  round  the  house  in  dashing  style, 
To  dare  the  traitor's  force,  and  rescue 
The  fair  captive. 

All  arm'd,  then  on  thro'  wood 
And  mountain  gorge  they  took  their  darksome  way, 


200  THE    MEXICAN; 

By  Rafael  led  to  the  dread  scene — a  place 
Of  weird  and  solemn  gloom,  a  chasm  wild 
And  terrible,  thro'  which  a  mountain  stream 
Had  there  its  tortuous  passage  delved,  and  rush'd 
In  gurgling  rapids  to  the  sea.    A  view 
More  near  reveal'd  its  broad  extent,  and  on 
Its  lofty  brink  a  tower,  half  in  ruins, — 
Gandora's  loath'd  retreat. 

"  This  is  the  place 

Where  the  marauding  ruffians  refuge  find. 
But  now  the  time  forewarns.    Let's  wait  till  morn, 
Ere  we  attempt  to  force  our  way  in  there ; 
For  if  we  now  in  darkness  strike  the  blow, 
It  may  our  plans  frustrate.    Besides,  to  strike 
At  dawn  will  dignify  the  deed,"  said  Rafael. 

So,  near  the  tower  awhile  they  slept ;  no  sound 
The  stillness  broke,  till  faint,  yet  fainter  still, 
The  stars  by  dim  degrees  became,  and  all 
Around  them  brighter  grew ;  for  then  the  dawn 
Along  the  sky  beam'd  forth  its  friendly  light. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  201 

Then  Rafael  gave  the  word  to  rise.     The  men, 
Obedient  to  the  call,  arose  and  donn'd 
Their  arms.    In  line  he  them  arranged  from  plans 
Of  his  own  skill ;  then  at  his  word  they  march'd, 
With  strength  renewed,  in  warlike  file,  and  storm'd 
The  tower,  which  seem'd  impregnable. 

Now,  quick 

Attendant  on  the  dismal  din  of  strife, 
Gandora  fierce  upon  the  rampart  sprang, 
And  there,  indignant  frown'd  in  brutal  scorn 
From  the  high  summit  down  on  Eafael's  men. 

"  The  maiden  yield  from  thralldom  vile,"  Raf.  cried, 
"  Ere  we  upon  thy  heads  destruction  hurl." 

But  he  the  chief  received  the  summons  with 
Disdain,  and  answer'd  back  exultingly 
That  he  a  braggart's  boast  unfearM 

At  this, 
Bold  Rafael  to  his  men  then  turn'd  and  said : 


202  THE    MEXICAN; 

"  My  gallant  sons,  ye  know  the  right.    Be  firm 
And  resolute.    Now,  charge  \" 

No  sooner  said, 

Than  showers  of  bullets  whizzing  swiftly  flew 
Along  the  smoky  air. 

But  long  and  fierce 
The  traitor  and  his  miscreants 
Kept  Eafael  and'  his  valiant  men  at  bay, 
Yet  less  and  less  the  ruffian's  numbers  grew ; 
For  when  the  daring  men  of  Rafael  did 
Encounter  them  with  volleys  swift  of  lead, 
They  brought  them  wounded  down  to  rise  no  more. 

At  last  a  portion  of  the  tower  caved  in ; 

Then  shouts  of  joy  from  Rafael's  men  arose. 

He  gave,  with  lithe  foot,  sure  and  swift,  a  bound, 

And  at  their  head  dash'd  on  to  where  the  villain 

Scowling  then  in  anger  stood,  and  quick  with  aim 

Unerringly  of  trusty  blade,  he  dealt 

With  vengeful  arm  the  chief  a  blow  right  thro' 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  203 


His  breast,  which  forced  the  life-blood  from  his  heart. 
When  down,  Gandora  clutch'd  the  outstretched 

hand 

That  laid  him  low.    A  long-drawn  sigh  he  gave, 
And  hoped  that  death  would  grant  him  some 

reprieve, 


204  THE   MEXICAN; 

So  that  lie  could,  ere  from  this  earth  his  life 
Forever  more  deep  in  oblivion  sank, 
Awhile  atone  his  headlong  course  of  sin, 
And  then,  with  dying  breath,  spoke    out    these 
words : 

"  Kafael,  to  me  thou  wert  a  friend,  ardent, 
Kind,  always  sincere ;  ah,  yes !  none  I  knew 
Among  these  hills  more  noble-hearted. 
Oh !  fie  upon  the  cruel  war  that  made 
A  rogue  of  me-  ;  for  when  this  land  you  quit 
To  fight  thy  country's  foes  upon  the  sea, 
Faithless  I  to  thee  became.    With  perfidy 
I  tried  to  win  thy  heart's  espousal ; 
But  all  in  vain.    I  for  my  artifice 
And  pains  to  gain  Morena's  hand  and  wealth 
Eeceived  her  father's  ire ;  this  stung  my  soul : 
Earth  had  no  sunlit  ray  of  hope  for  me. 
I  felt  that  I  by  all  the  earth  was  spurn'd, 
And  thought  my  only  freedom  was  among 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  205 

These  hills,  where  I  have  injured  thee  and  thine. 
Oh !  if  repentance  hath  not  come  too  late, 
I  with  my  dying  breath  thy  pardon  crave." 

He  then  his  voice  to  heaven  raised  and  pray'd 
That  God,  compassionate  would  look  upon 
His  erring  soul ;  forgive  the  sins  he'd  done 
Since  he  the  devil  let,  in  evil  hour, 
Seduce  him  from  the  righteous  ways  of  life. 
"  Oh,  the  hour,  that  fatal  hour !  when  I  from 
Virtue  fell !  A  fool !  a  fool !  I  was  to  stray 
From  paths  of  righteousness  with  rogues  to  dwell  1 
Unheeding  my  indulgent  parents,  who 
With  tearful  eyes  forewarned  and  hade  me  oft 
My  wayward  course  of  life  to  shun !     Oh,  shame ! 
I  feel  it  now.    'Twas  wrong  to  raise  the  sword 
Against  the  land  that  gave  me  birth.    But  I, 
0  God !  regret  that  e'er  I  raised  a  hand 
Against  the  freest  laws  yet  framed  to  rule 
Mankind.    So  now  thy  wrath  appease. 


206  THE   MEXICAN; 

0  Lord !  my  life  is  ebbing  fast;  the  beam 

Of  day  shines  not  for  me.    The  sky  looks  black — 

My  hour  is  come — I'm  sinking  down — down — to 

death — 
All— all— is— d— r— k." 

Then  when  the  chieftain  lay 
Outstretched  a  lifeless  bulk  upon  the  ground, 
Rafael  slightly  felt  a  touch  of  grief 
Pulsating  softly  in  his  heart,  and  said : 
"  Alas !  when  man,  majestic  man,  departs 
From  grace,  he  doth  no  glory  earn  in  sin : 
'Tis  thus  the  wicked  meet  their  fate !" 

He  then 
Took    from    the  chieftain's  vest    the  keys,   and 

search'd 

With  haste  along  each  darksome  corridor, 
The  dingy  room  for  pent  Morena  sad. 

There,  she  thro'  grated  bars  that  morn  look'd  out, 
With  weak  eyes  worn  from  want  of  needful  sleep, 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  207 

Upon  the  neighb'ring  flood. 

For  she  the  captive 

Lonely,  faint,  with  all  her  strength  nigh  spent, 
Languidly,  like  a  gleeful  bird  just  caught  and 

barr'd 

In  cage  from  boughs  of  green  and  rustling  leaf, 
Pined  in  that  dingy  cell,  not  knowing  what 
Would  be  her  fate. 

So  when  the  tumult  wild 
Upon  her  ears  its  utmost  fury  woke, 
She  raised  her  head,  so  sunk  in  grief,  and  cried : 
"  My  God !  I  heard  the  clink  of  clashing  steel ! 
The  snap  of  hostile  musket  near !     God  spare 
The  brave,  and  nerve  the  valiant  to  be  free  1" 

But  brief  the  fight.    Those  sounds  had  come  and 

gone. 

"  I  wonder  where  it  was  ?  not  far  it  could 
Have  been,  I'm  sure !     Ah !  p'rhaps  I  dreamt : 

all  else 


208  THE    MEXICAN; 

But  dreammgs  of  rude  war  forgot ;  yet,  nay, 

I  do  not  dream.    These  hands  I  touch,  the  doubt 

Gainsay.    My  eyes,  out  yonder  thro'  these  "bars, 

See  clouds  of  battle  smoke,  yon  hills  ascending 

Like  a  fog-bank  rising  from  the  sea. 

I  hear  the  birds  their  dulcet  cadence  thrill 

In  rapt  vibrations  on  the  stilly  air, 

The  sound  of  rippling  waters  near. 

"  But  hark ! 

What  voice  is  that  which  on  my  ears  just  fell 
In  wailings  faint,  yet  wild  and  weird  in  tone  ? 
It  conies  this  way !     Oh,  how  with  fear  I  tremble ! 
Alas !  I  thought  no  one  would  e'er  disturb 
Me  more.    Yet  still,  I  feel  unconsciously 
A  strange  relief  inspiring  me  with  hope. 
And  why?      Because  I  think  I've  heard  those 
Tones  before. 

"  Again  that  voice !  what  do  I  hear  ?" 
"'Tis  I,  Morena  love,  my  soul's  sweet  pledge, 


OB,     LOYE     AND     LAND.  209 

That  calls  thee.    Speak;  where  art  thou,  love? 

Oh,  say, 
If  yet  in  life  ?" 

"  That  voice !  ah,  well  I  know ! 
My  dread  suspense  'tween  joy  and  doubt  hath 

flown !" 
She  said. 

"  'Tis  he !  oh,  yes !  'tis  he  himself, 
My  own  fond  Rafael,  calling  me  by  name !" 

"  Here  am  I,  Rafael,  a  captive  lock'd  up 
In  this  cell!" 

"  Then  the  key  which  hath  confined  you 
Love,"  he  answer'd  back,  "will  now  release  thce 

too." 

This  said,  then  wide  the  portals  of  her  prison 
Open  flew. 

A  shout  of  joy  burst  from 
Each  throat  as  they  together  fondly  rush'd, 
Embraced,  and  kiss'd. 


210  THE   MEXICAN; 

Alas !  how  brief  her  bliss! 
For  she,  in  Rafael's  arms,  unconscious  there, 
Quite  overcome  from  joy,  soon  fainting  sank. 
Then  out  he  to  the  noon-day  blaze  her  brought, 
And  there  a  tear  stood  in  the  eye  that  look'd 
On  her  loved  face  so  changed. 

"  Come,  darling,  speak ! 
Thy  lungs  have  breath.      Look  up.      No  more 

complain. 

Upon  thy  face  the  wind  of  heaven  breathes. 
"Warm  o'er  thee  shines  the  sun." 

'Twas  then  her  lips 

Began  to  move  with  fitful  undertones  of — 
"'Reft  of  him   and   kindred — gone — gone.     Oh, 

where  ? 

Haply  great  he  was  to  me.    He's  there ! — see ! — 
He  runs  to  aid  distress  like  mine.    To  thee, 
Rafael,  I  fly  my  anguish  to  impart  I" 

A  pause  ensued.    Then  Eafael  said :  "  How  strange 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  211 

That  joy  should  wound  the  mind,  and  pity  cause 
The  heart  to  bleed ! 

Awake,  Morena  love, 

Out  of  thy  trance.    No  longer  let  thine  eye 
The  cheerful  light  disdain.    Belief  to  thee 
I  bring." 

She  then  her  eyes  unclosed,  and  said : 
"  Who's  he  doth  press  his  cheek  to  mine  ?" 

"'TisI, 

Morena,  breathing  comfort  in  thine  ear. 
Don't  you  know  me,  love  ?   Eafael's  near  thee  now !" 

Again  he  drank  the  incoherent  sighs 
Her  grateful  soul  effused. 

"What  place  is  this? 
I  feel  the  sun  upon  my  cheek !    My  eyes 
Seem  blinded  with  excess  of  light !    Am  I 
On  earth  ?    Oh !  can  this  be  my  love  ?    Hath  he 
Returned  to  live  and  me  ?" 

"Wherefore  this  doubt, 


212  THE    MEXICAN; 

My  love  ?    Alone  his  eyes  are  on  thee  fix'd." 
Then  joy  her  gladsome  bosom  moved.    She  look'd 
About  the  verdant  scenes  around,  then  said : 

"  I  hear 

The  merry  song  of  birds !    Oh,  how  serene 
The  day!    Ah,  yes!  in  open  air  I  breathe — 
Can  this  be  Eafael  smiling  on  me  now  ?    Yes,  yes, 
'Tis  he,  indeed,  whom  I  have  lost  so  long  1" 

Oh,  who  can  count  the  kisses  she  upon 

His  lips  imprinted,  when  with  joy  she  flung 

Her  arms  around  his  neck  and  bless'd  the  wind 

Of  heaven  which  so  fair  and  free  had  blown 

Him  safely  o'er  the  deep  again  to  her ! 

How  joyful  she  to  think  he'd  back  return'd 

In  time  to  make  her  soul  and  body  free  ! 

How  winsome,  too,  her  grateful  tongue  breathed 

forth, 

In  words  of  softest  thankfulness,  her  heart's 
Rapt  melody  in  sweetest  phrases  strung ! 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  213 

"  'Twas  hope  alone,  Rafael,  of  seeing  thee 

My  darken'd  soul  sustain'd.    From  new  to  wane 

Of  moons,  I  pray'd  for  thy  return.    Alone, 

In  meditation  wrapt,  my  fancy  would 

Into  my  mind  bright  visions  bring  of  thee. 

And  when  I'd  ramble  on  the  shore,  I'd 

Look  with  eager  gaze  across  the  briny  wave 

For  thee,  my  loved,  departed  mariner ; 

Thinking  each  craft  that  arose  on  the  verge 

Of  the  sea  in  the  day's  golden  light, 

And  the  silvery  sheen  of  the  evening  star, 

Was  thy  swift  bark  in  gayest  trim  returning. 

There,  day  after  day,  I  would  linger, 

Hopeful,  despairing,  alternately  glad, 

Till  the  shades  of  the  night  came  along  in 

Drab  pinions  and  darken'd  the  face  of  the  flood. 

Then  sadly  I'd  turn  my  two  eyes  away 

From  the  swell  of  the  turbulent  ocean, 

Weeping,  the  while,  with  the  dews  of  the  twilight; 

As  homeward  I  went  disappointed  again ; 


214  THE     MEXICAN. 

For  I  could  not  restrain  the  soft  impulse 
Of  nature  from  Tenting  its  anguish  in  tears, 
When  I'd  think  that  I  never  would  more 
On  this  earth  my  long  absent  Kafael  behold." 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Soox  Rafael  found  himself  once  more  a  swain 
Amid  new  pleasing  scenes  with  his  fair  bride, 
Who  then  alone  with  him  enraptured  sat 
Never  feeling  joy  more  lightly  bounding 


216  THE   MEXICAN; 

In  her  heart  so  glad.    His  presence  to  her  cheek, 

Ah !  once  so  pale,  the  healthful  color  brought, 

And  o'er  her  face  its  former  beauty  spread ; 

Her  sunken  spirits  raised ;  her  heart- wounds  heal'd : 

In  brief,  but  one  eternal  spring  of  bliss, 

As  they  sat  in  the  evening's  dewy  shade, 

In  both  their  hearts  then  flow'd. 

"Nay,  let  thy  hand," 

Here  Eafael  said,  "  in  mine,  Morena,  linger ; 
I've  three  fair  claims  against  thee,  love." 

"What  are  they?" 
She  replied. 

"  Thy  beauty,  heart,  and  hand." 
"What  for?  "she  said. 

"  Why,  surely,  you  forget," 
He  said,  all  blithe  of  tongue  of  aspect  free, 
"  Thou  by  me,  you  know,  wert  saved.    Hence  my 
reward." 

So  with  gentlest  joy,  laughter  then  inlaid 
Her  cheeks  with  blushing  dimples.    "  A  kiss," 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  217 

She  smiling,  said,  "  shall  be  the  only  gift 
From  me.    E'en  this  I  should  refuse  until 
I  know  thy  heart's  from  blot  and  blemish  free ; 
For  when  away,  mayhap,  you  did  conspire 
To  break  the  sacred  tie  of  love  from  me." 

"  But  once,  my  dear,"  he  said,  "  thy  image  ceased 
My  heart  and  fancy  to  inspire  with  love 
Of  thee." 

"  Ah !  then  thou  hast  my  plighted  love," 
She  said,  "  betray'd.     An  ill  exchange  for  mine !" 

"  'Twas  but  a  scheme  of  pure,  romantic  fun 
I'd  with  an  island  princess,"  Rafael  said. 

"  Alas !  how  true  hath  my  suspicion  been ; 
'Twas  what  I  fear'd,  Rafael,  time  and  again, 
Thou  wert  upon  an  isle  remote,  and  there 
Had  pledged  unto  a  maiden,  rich  but  vain, 
Thy  heart  and  hand  for  life.    Oh,  perfidy ! 
How  couldst  thou  to  thy  vows  thus  prove  untrue  ?" 


218  THE   MEXICAN; 

Then,  when  he  heard  her  fond  complaint,  he  sat 
There  mute  awhile  in  doubt,  scarce  knowing  what 
To  say  to  quiet  Morena's  jealous  fears ; 
But  brief  awhile  he  thus  soliloquized : 
"  Shall  I  thus  sit  and  let  my  silence  prove 
I'm  tarnish'd  with  the  foulest  obloquy  ? 
No,  no ;  that  will  not  do.    I'll  tell  her  all ; 
'Twill  soothe   her  heart,  now  rent  with   sorest 

doubt." 
He  then  began : 

"  Have  done,  Morena ;  dry 
Thy  tears.    I  would  not  if  I  could  prove 
False  to  thee,  whose  heart  I  prize  above 
All  mortal  fame.    "What !  I  forget  the  fair  one  true 
I  left  behind,  the  best  that  God's  yet  made  ? 
Not  until  I  sleep  eternal  'neath  the  mound, 
Shall  I  forget  thee,  love :  till  then,  thy  face 
And  form  shall  live  engraven  on  my  mind. 
Now  listen,  love,  and  from  my  lips  youll  hear 
How  much  I  have  thee  wrong'd." 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  219 

But  ere  a  word 

He  spoke,  the  father  came  with  reverend  step 
And  slow  to  where  the  loving  couple  sat, 
Contesting  each  their  vows  of  absent  love. 

"  0  Rafael !  how  with  joy  my  heart  pulsates," 
Don  Pedro  said,  "  to  see  thee  home  again ! 
But  the  crew,  thy  hardy  crew,  where  are  they  ?" 

Alas  !  Sefior,  they're  lost,  forever  lost !" 
Rafael  replied. 

"  God  bless  us !  is  that  true  P 
«'Tis,  indeed!  Senor." 

"  Oh,  tell  us,  Rafael, 
Where  are  they  entomb'd  ?    Speak  I" 

"Alas!  Sefior, 

Their  bones  lie  bleaching  on  the  ocean  floor." 
"  0  God !  then  you've  been  wreck'd  ?" 

"  I  have,  Senor, 
And  all  but  me  the  raging  sea  devourM." 


220  THE   MEXICAN; 

"  Astounding !  Oh,  calamity  most  strange ! 
Oh,  tell  us  all  what  hath  befallen  thee!" 

Kafael  then  told  of  the  fight,  and  his  prize, 
And  where  he  was  wreck'd,  and  how  saved. 

"'Tis  true!" 

Morena  cried.  "  Alas !  how  true !  just  what 
I  said,  foresaw,  oft  fear'd,  surmised,  his  bark 
Was  wreck'd !" 

"  Thou  hast,  indeed !"  the  father  said. 
"  Don't  stop,  Kafael ;  go  on ;  let's  hear  thee  thro'." 

"  So,  when  upon  the  deep  the  morning  dawn'd, 
I  quit  the  rock  on  which  thro'  all  that  night 
Of  intense  gloom  I  sat  disconsolate, 
And  search'd  the  isle — a  barren,  dreary  place, 
Tor  substance  fit  to  stay  my  rav'nous  greed, 
Even  on  fruit  to  fare,  on  berries  feed, 
But  none  I  found.    Alas !  what  agony 
Of  mind  I  then  endured !  no  food,  no  fire, 


BANCROFT  LIBRARY 

OK,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  221 

No  bed,  'mid  rocks  with  summits  bleak  and  bare, 
My  strength  nigh  gone,  and  night  above  my  head ! 

"  Then  cheerless  down  against  a  rock  I  lay, 
And  thought  in  my  despair  of  thee,  and  scenes 
Far  in  the  shadow-land  beyond  this  life ; 
Which  ere  the  morn's  soft  hues  would  on  me  dawn, 
Death,  I  fear'd,  would  joyful  come,  and  there 
Unveil  to  me  the  blissful  scenes  of  heaven. 

"  But  while  I  lonely  sat  there  shiv'ring,  starved, 
Slow  hunger's  victim,  pond'ring  o'er  my  fate, 
In  vestment  white  as  snow  a  gracious  form, 
As  if  down  then  from  heaven  descending  there, 
In  pity  near  me  gazed  compassionate 
With  eye  of  softest  tenderness. 

"At  first 

I  scarce  my  senses  could  believe,  as  hope 
Of  seeing  human  kind  on  that  lone  isle, 
Mj  heart  despairing  fled.  Yet,  tho'  I  saw, 


222  THE   MEXICAN; 

Yet  doubting,  unbelieving  still,  half  dumb, 
Afraid  to  speak  my  joy  of  seeing  on 
That  dreamy  isle  the  faintest  trace  of  man, 
She  herself,  with  plaintive  voice  compassionate, 
Breath'd  in  my  ears  condoling  accents  kind : 

" '  0  thou  most  perfect  of  majestic  man, 

In  sea- worn  garb  bedeck'd !  what  hath  induced 

Thy  steps  from  scenes  of  social  life  to  stray 

And  pace  these  pathless  tracts  of  forest  drear  ? 

'Tis  but  an  hour  ago  thy  groans  I  heard 

Commingling  with  the  moaning  wind  of  eve ; 

Thy  prayers  for  mercy  in  affliction's  hour. 

Arise,  poor  famish'd  wretch !  and  come  with  me ; 

111  bring  thee  to  my  own  abode,  aslant 

Yon  grot,  where  I  my  doors  ne'er  shut  against 

A  wayworn  wretch  forlorn.    Give  me  thy  hand.' 

"  So,  when  with  cheering  breath  she  told  me  that, 
I  felt  so  glad,  the  woes  of  my  distress 
Fled  swiftly  'fore  soft  pity's  moving  breath. 


OB,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  223 

te  ( Thou  surely  art,'  I  said,  '  an  angel  fair 
Come  hither  down  from  thy  high  limits,  gem'd 
With  stars ;  or,  p'rhaps,  a  goodly  sprite  of  earth 
Hath  in  the  blast  my  wailing  language  heard, 
And  feeling  moved,  in  hunger's  trying  hour, 
By  pity — cordial  sweet  of  feeling  souls — 
Hath  come  to  succor  me  all  comfortless/ 
Then  her  I  gave  my  hand ;  she  led  the  way ; 
When  soon  attendant  on  her  steps  so  lithe, 
I  found  myself  a  guest  at  her  abode. 
There  me  she  food  and  drink  the  rarest  gave, 
A  dainty  meal  so  rich  it  was,  I  ne'er 
Till  then  enjoy'd  a  savory  morsel  more. 
This  kindness  moved  my  heart  to  murmur  forth 
My  thanks  and  hopes  that  God  her  gen'rous  deed 
Would  bless.    Naught  else  but  thanks  my  bosom 
moved. 

"  But  scarce  had  I  the  food  partaken,  ere 
A  spell  of  mischief  she  began  to  cast 


224  THE    MEXICAN; 

Within  my  mind  to  bend  it  to  her  will. 
With  dulcet  tones  of  praise  and  sighs  of  love, 
She  tried  to  charm  and  triumph  o'er  my  heart. 
Awhile  I  felt  the  cursed  effects  infused 
My  reason  blind ;  then  cringing  there,  I,  like 
A  craven  dupe  to  her  feign'd  passion  knelt. 

"  But  soon  I  traced  the  artful  wiles  she  used 
With  others'  pains,  and  that  she  feign'd  the  woes 
They  felt  by  shedding  tears  when  they  did  weep ; 
And  thus  her  words,  her  actions,  looks,  she  shaped 
A  thousand  ways  to  make  me  think  there  dwelt 
Affinity  of  soul  between  us  both. 
But  as  remark'd,  she  bound  me  for  a  time 
In  her  bewitching  spells. 

"  Yet  soon  I  broke 
The    charm    she    wrought    to    make    my    heart 

accordant 

Beat  to  hers,  and  draw  my  love  from  thee, 
From  honor,  truth,  and  faith  seduce;  but  no, 


BANCROFT  LIBRARY 

OE,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  225 

Her  tricks  fantastic  I  disdain'd.    No  smile 

Bewitchingly  of  hers,  however  shaped, 

Nor  lyric  notes  from  her  impassion'd  tongue, 

Nor  bribes  of  wealth,  could  bend  me  to  her  will. 

In  vain  her  songs,  her  smiles,  her  bribes,  did  prove 

To  lure  me  from  thy  blameless  self,  to  whom 

My  thoughts  full  oft  on  that  strange  coast,  would 

there, 
On  fancy's  wings  to  thee,  Morena,  fly." 

This  said,  Morena's  face  a  pleasing  look 
Assumed.    She  could  no  longer  doubt  his  word ; 
For  joy  at  hearing  all  was  fair  and  good 
Her  doubts  repress'd,  and  there,  delighted,  hung 
Upon  his  arm. 

So  then,  with  thankful  heart, 
Don  Pedro  said : 

"  I've  mark'd,  Eafael,  thy  force 
Of  mind.  A  head  and  heart  like  thine,  so  good 
And  just,  are  seldom  found.  To  thee,  my  friend, 


226  THE    MEXICAN; 

Be  granted  length  of  days.      Give  me  thy  hand. 

Now  let  our  happy  greeting  give  new  birth 

To  joy,  and  blissful  thoughts  the  future  shape. 

No  more  thy  hand  need  wield  the  sword ;  our  land 

Is  now  from  stormy  battle  freed.    We've  triumph'd 

O'er  the  foe,  and  all  the  glory  won. 

So  here's  the  fairest  trophy  I  can  give 

To  one  defender  of  our  native  land. 

My  daughter's  hand  is  thine, — fit  recompense, 

I  hope,  Eafael,  for  thy  unswerving  skill : 

But  yet  thy  country  owes  thee  more." 

"  No  more, 

Sefior.    Morena's  heart — a  priceless  boon — 
Is  due  requital  fair  of  all  I  crave," 
Brave  Eafael,  bowing  said. 

"  Soon,  then,"  the  Don 
Replied,  "  thy  nuptials  shall  be  solemnized." 

So,  in  a  few  days,  at  the  hour  of  noon, 
Before  the  altar,  hand  in  hand,  among 


OR,     LOVE     AND     LAND.  227 

A  group  of  friends,  the  bride  and  bridegroom  stood . 
Each  heart  with  fond  emotion  panting : 
Each  mind  the  blissful  future  reading. 

Then  the  priest  approach'd  the  happy  twain,  and 

said: 
"  Rafael,  wilt  thou  make  the  bride  thy  lawful 

wife?" 

"  My  lawful  wife  !    Nay,"  Rafael,  smiling,  said, 
Kissing  her  meantime ;  "  ask  me  if  I  could 
Refuse  the  soul  whom  I've  adored  at  home, 
Revered  in  absence  with  affection  true." 

"  'Tis  well.    Let  each,  then,  in  the  future  feel 
An  equal  share  of  joy  and  grief."     So,  then, 
He  joined  their  hands  in  wedlock  holy. 

"  Thou 

From  this  hour,"  he  said,  "  art  man  and  wife ; 
Go  and  love  each  other,  heart  and  soul. 
Enjoy  in  future  all  the  bliss  kind  heaven 
May  bestow. " 


228  THE     MEXICAN. 

"  And  may  ye  thro'  this  ample  sphere," 
The  father  said,  "  where'er  thou  art,  at  home, 
Or  far  away  in  distant  climes,  dispense 
New  luster  on  thy  names.    May  beauties  rare 
In  nuptial  bliss  from  out  thy  loving  souls 
Awaken  into  birth, — fair  rosy  youth, — 
To  crown  thy  age  and  cares  with  joy,  till  ye 
Be  summon'd  late  in  life  to  dwell  above 
In  heaven  eternal." 


DAISY  SWAIN, 


A    TALE   OF    THE    REBELLION. 

By  JOHN  M.  DAGNALL. 


Ono  volume,  12mo  ;  167  pages.  Printed  on  thick  paper,  from  new 
type.  Extra  cloth  binding.  Contains  twenty-six  illustrations  by  first- 
rate  artists. 

PKICE  $1  25. 


A   SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  POEM. 

The  story  of  Daisy  Swain  most  vividly  and  truthfully  por- 
trays the  incidents  in  the  life  of  a  young  maiden,  who,  from 
the  day  of  her  birth  to  her  sixteenth  summer,  bloomed  as  fresh 
and  pure  as  arose  in  her  childhood's  home  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley,  where  her  contented  father  lived  in  peace.  It  tells 
of  her  pious  mother  who  cradled  her  infant  form.  It  depicts 
the  fanatic  and  the  demagogue,  and  describes  how  freemen 
were  made  foes,  stating  how  they  fought,  bled,  and  died,  min- 
gling their  blood  upon  the  gory  field.  It  paints  in  glowing 
terms  the  youthful  volunteer ;  how  his  soldier  heart  beat  high 
with  pride  at  the  sound  of  martial  drum  and  fife  ;  and  why  he 
left  his  Northern  home,  the  spot  where  his  ancestors  slept, 
and  in  his  youth  and  strength  how  he  bore,  amid  the  roar 
of  cannon  on  the  battle-field,  the  flag  of  freedom  through  the 
thickest  of  the  fight.  It  details  his  thoughts  of  home  and 
distant  friends,  as  he,  wounded,  lay  upon  the  margin  of  a 
stream,  bleeding  out  his  patriot  blood  and  musing  in  the 
despair  of  death.  It  tells  how  Daisy,  fair  and  tender,  came 
like  an  angel  clothed  in  white,  and  found  him  in  the  twi- 
light by  the  rivulet,  all  helpless  and  dying,  wrapt  up  in  the 
riven  standard  which  he'd  borne  through  blood  and  fire.  It 
describes  how  the  light  of  heaven  in  her  face,  so  fine  in 
beauty,  cheered  him,  and  how  beside  his  sick  couch  she 
ministered  to  his  pains.  It  tells  of  the  hopes  she  cherished 
in  her  young  heart's  love  for  him ;  and  how  those  blissful 
hopes  on  earth  were  blighted  in  her  bloom  when  her  soul 
was  in  its  pride  of  freshness  ;  and  of  her  faith  and  tears ;  her 
wailings  and  weary  watchings,  after  a  gang  of  bold  guerril- 
las, who,  in  their  despotic  pride,  came  to  her  peaceful  home 


3 

and  with  their  traitor  hands  conveyed  her  lover  and  her 
father  far  away.  It  states  how  she  was  made  an  orphan, 
and  how  within  her  desolate  home,  during  many  hours  of 
solitude,  she  would  mourn  her  lover  dead.  It  narrates  the 
trials  and  hardships  she  endured ;  how  in  her  adversity  she 
never  faltered,  while  searching  for  her  lover,  who  had  es- 
caped from  his  vile  prison,  and  was  then  once  more  fighting 
the  battles  of  his  country ;  setting  forth  how  strangely  they 
met,  and  how  upon  the  battle-plain  her  lover  fell ;  but  not 
until  he  had  with  strength  of  valiant  arm  and  Union  bullet 
killed  the  bold  guerrilla  chief  who  no  mercy  showed  the 
innocent,  whose  agony  could  wring  no  tear  of  pity  from  out 
his  callous  heart.  Finally  recounting  how  Daisy  and  her 
patriot  lover,  enshrined  in  death  upon  the  battle-field,  sleep 
the  peaceful  sleep  that  knows  no  waking. 

No  tongue  has  spoken  nor  pen  recorded  a  patriotic  story 
so  touching  in  its  incidents  which  from  the  beginning  never 
flags  an  instant,  but  holds  the  reader  spell-bound  to  the  end. 

For  sale  by  the  American  News  Company,  No.  121  Nassau 
Street,  New  York. 


REVIEWS  OF  THE  POEM. 

If  any  Englishman  should  contemptuously  ask,  now, 
"  Who  writes  an  American  poem  ?"  we  should  triumphantly 
answer,  "  John  M.  Dagnall." — Boston  Transcript. 

Mr.  Dagnall  has  displayed  real  power  in  his  present  work. 
His  genius  will  yet  earn  him  an  enviable  position  and  fame 
as  a  poet. — Peterson's  Magazine,  Phila. 

One  reads  the  poem  from  beginning  to  end  with  a  feeling 
of  satisfaction,  and  seems  to  have  traveled  through  the  val- 


ley  of  the  Slienandoali — the  scene  of  the  story — without 
fatigue.  The  tone  of  the  poem  is  elevated,  and  its  sentiments 
thoroughly  loyal.  We  unhesitatingly  commend  it. — Qua/r* 
terly  Journal,  Vt. 

We  admire  the  spirit  of  this  remarkable  poem.  It  is  an 
inspired  poem,  breathing  the  purest  sentiments  of  patriot- 
ism.— Providence  Journal. 

That  Mr.  Dagnall  has  produced  a  remarkable  work  is 
beyond  all  doubt.  Byron  wrote  Don  Juan  ;  Shelley,  Prome- 
theus Bound  ;  and  Coleridge,  Christobel ;  but  neither  of  the 
three  had  the  genius  to  produce  "  Daisy  Swain."  Long  may 
its  distinguished  author  write,  and  may  he  never,  like  one 
of  his  own  heroes,  pass  his  time 

In  moldy  dungeon  vilely  smeared 

With  damps  infectious.  [N.  T.  Day-Book. 

The  author  of  "  Daisy  Swain"  has  shown  in  his  lines  so 
forcible,  musical,  and  clear,  that  he  possesses  all  the  human 
moods,  the  very  qualities  of  heart  and  soul,  of  the  true  poet. 
Nothing  in  the  work  is  stilted.  His  thoughts  spring  spon- 
taneously from  the  subject,  and  his  verse  is  unaffected,  and 
free  from  the  restraints  of  mechanical  mannerism  on  which 
so  many  poets  solely  rely  for  their  reputation.  For  lifelike 
portraitures  of  character,  for  force,  rugged  grandeur,  sweet 
and  elegant  expressions  of  language ;  for  depth  of  thought, 
invention,  soul-stirring  events,  and  absorbing  pathos,  ap- 
pealing to  the  loyalty  of  her  sons  and  the  virtue  of  her 
daughters,  nothing  has  reached  us  from  America  equal  to 
it.  Columbia  may  well  feel  proud  of  the  author  of  this  ex- 
traordinary poem.  We  shall  look  forward  with  consider- 
able pleasure  for  any  fresh  installments  of  verse  from  the 
odfted  author  of  "  Daisy  Sw&in."— English  paper. 


